ESSENDON skipper Jobe Watson has capped off a stellar season by claiming his second consecutive Crichton Medal as the club's best and fairest.

With his former teammate and new coach James Hird watching on, the 25-year old held off second-placed Heath Hocking (241 votes) and Jason Winderlich (231) to win the award with 291 votes at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday night.

After taking over the reigns this year as captain after the retirement of Matthew Lloyd, Watson finished the season averaging 27 disposals, leading the club in handballs (322) and loose-ball gets (64).

Watson’s season was also highlighted with selection in the 40-man All Australian squad and an equal seventh-placed finish at the 2010 Brownlow Medal count with 16 votes.

After receiving his award, Watson said preparations for the 2011 season started now, with the Bomber eager to erase the 2010 season from his memory.

“For the club it has been a disappointing season and I think once this night finishes, the 2010 season truly finishes,” he said.

“I really believe there is a strong group of players here who have underachieved and as a playing group we really have to look at ourselves in the mirror.”

“I’m really excited and I think we have a group capable of being successful ... we should leave no stone unturned.”

Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said Watson deserved the award for his consistent performances as well as his leadership during difficult circumstances this season.
 
“Jobe has had an outstanding year, particularly when you consider it is his first year as captain of the club,” Hamilton said.
 
“He has put in an outstanding effort this season where he has inspired many people around him and he has played consistent football over the course of the whole year."

Of the other notable award winners on the night, Hocking took home the best clubman award, while Tayte Pears was the recipient of the Adam Ramanauskas award for most courageous player.

Other award winners
Best Clubman award - Heath Hocking
Senior Leading Goal Kicking award - Angus Monfries
Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star award - Ben Howlett
Most Improved Player award - David Zaharakis
Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player award - Tayte Pears
Striving for Excellence award - Angus Monfries
Bill Hutchison award - Nathan Lovett-Murray

Crichton Medal top 10
Jobe Watson - 291 votes
Heath Hocking - 241
Jason Winderlich - 231
Dustin Fletcher - 225
Brent Stanton - 167
Nathan Lovett-Murray - 164
Mark McVeigh - 156
Ben Howlett - 154
Alwyn Davey - 144
Angus Monfries - 143