Joe Daniher has capped off an impressive season, winning the 2017 Crichton Medal at Peninsula in Docklands.
Daniher was presented with his first Best and Fairest Award in front of more than 1,300 proud Essendon members and supporters.
The young forward follows in the footsteps of his famous uncles Neale (1981) and Terry (1982), and is the first Daniher to win the Crichton Medal in 35 years.
His accuracy in front of goal (65 goals), high flying marks and work rate across the ground saw the young leader hold off Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell in a count which went down to the wire.
Daniher’s most polished season to date included being named in the All-Australian team, winning the AFL Mark of the Year, and finishing fourth in the Coleman Medal.
The 23 year-old was also named best on ground in both the ANZAC Day match and the Country Game.
Senior Coach, John Worsfold congratulated Daniher on his stand out season.
“Joe’s dedication and commitment to continuous improvement makes him a deserving winner of the Crichton Medal,” Worsfold said.
“He has consistently demonstrated the professionalism and resilience required to perform at the elite level. He has worked hard on his craft and developed a routine which stood up over the course of the season.
“Joe is an extremely talented footballer, he has a tremendous work ethic, shows genuine leadership and is a highly respected member of our playing group.”
It was a busy night for Daniher who also took home the Matthew Lloyd Leading Goal Kicker Award and the Cheer Squad Award.
Brendon Goddard finished runner-up on 441 votes after playing every game this season. The veteran was one of the Bombers most consistent contributors, collecting at least 21 disposals in every match and recording 30 plus possessions on six occasions.
Captain, Dyson Heppell, finished in third place with 440 votes after a consistent year, particularly in the second half of the season. The 25 year-old also took home the John Kilby Best Clubman Award.
First year player, Andrew McGrath, added the Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star Award to his trophy cabinet which also includes the AFL NAB Rising Star, AFLPA Best First Year Player, and named in the back pocket in the 22under22 team.
2017 Crichton Medal top 10:
1. Joe Daniher 451 votes
2. Brendon Goddard 441 votes
3. Dyson Heppell 440 votes
4. Zach Merrett 439 votes
5. David Zaharakis 412 votes
6. Michael Hurley 395 votes
7. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti 386 votes
8. Orazio Fantasia 354 votes
9. Cale Hooker 351 votes
10. James Kelly 344 votes
Club Awards;
John Kilby Best Clubman Award – Dyson Heppell
Bruce Heymanson Best Team Player Award – Heath Hocking
Bill Hutchison Community Award – Zach Merrett
Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player Award – Patrick Ambrose
Matthew Lloyd Leading Goal Kicker Award – Joe Daniher
Best Defensive Player Award – Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star Award – Andrew McGrath
Most Improved Player Award – Orazio Fantasia
Cheer Squad Award – Joe Daniher
The Club's highest individual accolade has been previously won by;
David Zaharakis (2011)
Jobe Watson (2012, 2010, 2009)
Brendon Goddard (2013)
Dyson Heppell (2014)
Cale Hooker (2015)
Zach Merrett (2016)
