Brendon Goddard has capped off an impressive debut season for Essendon by taking home the 2013 Crichton Medal at Crown Palladium this evening.

In a count that went down to the wire in front of more the 1500 guests, Goddard managed to hold off Captain Jobe Watson and young gun Dyson Heppell to win his first ever best and fairest award.

The accolade was a fitting reward for the 28 year-old who confirmed his standing as one of the premium midfielders in the competition.

Brendon played all 22 games this season, averaged 26 disposals a game, 7 marks and kicked 18 goals for the year, his most since 2010.

Senior assistant coach Mark Thompson said Goddard was a deserved winner after a consistent season in the red and black.

“Both on and off the field, BJ has led from the front in what was a very difficult year for the football club,” Thompson said .

“He played some exceptional football this season, not to mention a variety of roles, and it’s just great to see how well he’s been accepted by his teammates, coaches and supporters.”

“It really is a fantastic achievement to win a best and fairest in your first year at a new football club, and it says so much about BJ’s professionalism and dedication to getting the best out of himself.”

Goddard finished with 431 votes to deny Watson, 382 votes, a fourth Crichton Medal in five years.

The captain’s second place finish was an incredible effort considering he missed three games with a broken collarbone. It also highlighted his leadership and competitive nature in the toughest season of the club’s 140 year history.

Dyson Heppell finished in the top three for a second consecutive season. Last year’s runner-up, Dyson, held on to third place despite missing the last two games of the campaign with a foot injury.

The 21 year-old polled 336 votes from his 20 games, and continued his impressive transition into the Bombers midfield.

Heppell also took home the Best Clubman award, which from 2013 will now be known as the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman award.



The renaming of this award honours the late Bruce Heymanson who is a Life Member and former No. 1 Ticket Holder.



Bruce was a great clubman and the renaming of the award keeps his memory close to the club and in particular to the players to whom he was always so supportive.



Bruce was a much loved figure and his generosity, passion and commitment to see Essendon achieve success both on and off the field will always be remembered fondly.

Top 10:

Brendon Goddard – 431

Jobe Watson - 382

Dyson Heppell - 336

Michael Hibberd - 321

Jake Melksham - 294

Jake Carlisle – 241

Brent Stanton – 229

Heath Hocking – 211

Cale Hooker – 207

David Zaharakis – 191

A number of other awards were presented this evening, including:



Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman Award – Dyson Heppell

Matthew Lloyd Senior Leading Goal Kicking Award – Stewart Crameri (30)

Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star Award – Jackson Merrett

Most Improved Player Award –Mark Baguley

Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player Award – Michael Hibberd

Best Team Player Award – Kyle Hardingham