The 29-year-old, who was unlucky to miss out on a place in the AllAustralian team, polled 178 votes to finish 11 clear of Colemanmedallist Jarryd Roughead.
Midfielder Sam Mitchell finished 10 votes further back in third, while backman Ben Stratton was fourth.
No boos at Hawks' B&F for absent Buddy
Roughead led the count for most of the season, but Gibson edged in front during the finals.
The athletic defender, who joined the Hawks from North Melbourne priorto the 2010 season, polled votes in all 25 matches he played.
He was judged Hawthorn's best player in rounds six, nine, 14, 19 and 21,and he averaged seven votes a game (out of a possible 16) across theseason.
Roughead led the count for most of the season, but Gibson edged in front during the finals.
The athletic defender, who joined the Hawks from North Melbourne priorto the 2010 season, polled votes in all 25 matches he played.
He was judged Hawthorn's best player in rounds six, nine, 14, 19 and 21,and he averaged seven votes a game (out of a possible 16) across theseason.
Gibson was taken aback by claiming the award.
"I said to 'Rough', 'I'm a bit embarrassed.' He had a fantastic year, as did Mitch, Hodgey and Ben Stratton as well," he said.
"SoI'm very surprised but very humbled at the same time. There's been somefantastic winners and we've had some fantastic performances this year.
"SoI'm honoured that the coaches thought I played that well this year, andI'm very proud to be the holder of the Peter Crimmins Medal."
Roughead, who was named in the forward pocket in the All Australianteam, was judged to have been his team's best player in rounds seven,eight, 13, 16, 20 and 23. He kicked 28 goals in those six matches.
It is the first time that Roughead has finished in the top three in the Hawks' best and fairest.
In contrast, Mitchell has finished in the top three in all but one season since 2006.
Mitchell, who was named in the All Australian team for the second timeafter excelling in the midfield and across half-back, saved two of hisbest performances until the finals.
He received 12 out of a possible 16 votes after Hawthorn's qualifyingfinal win over the Sydney Swans, while his 38-disposal effort in thefive-point preliminary final victory over Geelong was rewarded with 15votes.
Peter Crimmins Medal top 10?
1. Josh Gibson – 178? votes
2. Jarryd Roughead – 167?
3. Sam Mitchell – 157?
4. Ben Stratton – 152?
5. Luke Hodge – 146?
6. Shaun Burgoyne – 127?
7. Grant Birchall – 120 ?
8. Luke Breust – 116 ?
8. Jack Gunston – 116 ?
10. Isaac Smith – 109 ??
Other awards
Best Clubman – Luke Hodge?
Best First Year Player – Taylor Duryea?
Best Player in Finals – Jack Gunston?
Most Consistent – Ben Stratton?
Most Promising – Isaac Smith
Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol
