A career best season for Peter Wright has resulted in him taking out the Essendon’s Crichton Medal on Monday night.
The forward claimed his maiden best and fairest award ahead of Zach Merrett and Matt Guelfi.
Wright finished on 242 votes, 12 clear of Merrett with Guelfi a further 19 votes back.
Defenders Mason Redman and Jordan Ridley rounded out the top five.
Wright in his second season at the Bombers also won the Matthew Lloyd goal kicker award, having kicked 53 goals for the season.
Three-time Crichton medallist Merrett placed second in the club’s count, despite missing three games with a syndesmosis injury.
The vice-captain was impressive through the Bombers’ midfield, averaging 30.1 disposals, 4.6 clearances and 4.3 tackles per game.
Guelfi’s breakout season was rewarded with a career-best third-place finish.
His dedication to his teammates was also recognised as he was awarded the McCracken Medal as the player who lived the club’s core values and DNA.
Redman claimed the Bruce Heymanson best clubman ward and was named the most improved player.
Jayden Laverde finished sixth in the count and was awarded the Adam Ramanauskas most courageous player award, while Nic Martin won the Lindsay Griffiths rising star award.
Sam Draper and Andrew McGrath were awarded the John Kilby staff and trainers’ award.
Essendon’s wheelchair team was also honoured for their impressive season, which saw them make it to the grand final.
VWFL captain Louis Rowe announced that he was stepping down from his leadership role after five years.
In another acknowledgment of Rowe’s impact on the club and broader sport, the club awarded the first-ever Louis Rowe Medal to a development and senior team member who demonstrated composure, selfless attitude, implausible leadership and willpower consistently throughout the season.
The Louis Rowe Development Medal was awarded to captain Ben Milton for his hard-working and caring spirit within the development team and excellent performance.
Caleb Logan received the honour for the senior team as recognition for his selfless attitude, commitment and care to his team.
The accolade tops off a fantastic year for Logan, who scored over 100 goals for the year.
