Essendon VFL will crown the R.A Freeman Medalist for 2015 this Thursday evening.

Due to the VFL Dons progressing beyond the AFL side, the VFL will hold its Best and Fairest event with players, family and friends in attendance.

After an incredible year with a number of standout players, we take a look at the leading contenders to take home the R.A Freeman Medal on Thursday night.

View the candidates then have your say below!

Kyle Hardingham

2015 games: 20

2015 goals: 41

Hardingham has been stellar this season, with both his leadership and on-field output. An incredible 41 goals for the season was the fourth most of any player in the VFL. Leaning on his AFL experience, Hardingham dominated games at times, looking unstoppable. Hardingham’s ability to play both in defence and attack should see plenty of votes from the coaches.

Daniel Coghlan

2015 games: 21

2015 goals: 15

Coghlan established himself as an elite midfielder in the VFL in season 2015. Playing every game, Coghlan should poll well. The impressive ability to win the ball on the inside of the contest, as well as spread outside the contest should see the on-baller collect plenty of votes. Coghlan’s knack of booting the odd goal also shouldn’t go unnoticed.

James Polkinghorne

2015 games: 20

2015 goals: 14

Bringing a wealth of AFL experience, it’s been no shock that Polkinghorne produced a standout season for the VFL Dons. A reliable contributor, Polkinghorne quickly become a favorite amongst the coaches for doing the simple things well. Building as the season wore on; Polkinghorne booted 14 goals for the season, including a telling three goals in the Bombers’ narrow Preliminary Final loss. 

Shaun McKernan

2015 games: 12

2015 goals: 17

This guy exploded onto the scene in the first half of the year, dominating games right from beginning. Winning the ball in the ruck, getting plenty of touches around the ground, as well as booting goals, McKernan did it all. Moving up to the AFL side for the majority of the second half of the season could hinder his chances, but if anyone can win it from just 12 games, McKernan can.

Ariel Steinberg

2015 games: 14

2015 goals: 0 

Can Steinberg go back-to-back? Similarly to McKernan, games in the AFL could make it difficult to take the crown, but Steinberg’s impact in 14 games was enormous. Steinberg clunked everything that went his way in the VFL, averaging a whopping eight marks a game in 2015. Doing the big jobs on the number one forwards each week could help Steinberg poll well and make it consecutive R.A Freeman Medals.