Carlton Best & Fairest

In 2004 the Carlton’s Best & Fairest Award was renamed the John Nicholls Medal. This recognizes John Nicholls, one of the greatest ever players of the Carlton Football Club and in the history of the AFL. John is a record five time Best & Fairest winner during his 328 games for the Carlton Football Club.

Between 1934 and 2003 the Carlton Best & Fairest Award was the Robert Reynolds Trophy in memory of Cr. Robert Reynolds a former Vice-President of the Club.

The Voting System
Five member of the Carlton Match Committee each award votes out of a possible ten for the best players in each game. There is no limit to the number of players that can receive votes in a game however a minimum of three players must receive at least three votes in a game. Therefore each Match Committee member must award a minimum of nine votes each game and the maximum number of votes a player can receive in a game is 50.



Other Award


Best Clubman – Anthony Koutoufides
His on field role as captain is only part of the important role Anthony plays around the Club and in 2005 his leadership and work off the field was recognised when he was awarded the Best Clubman. A wonderful ambassador for the Carlton Football Club in everything he does and a fine example for the younger players to aspire to emulate both on and off the field.
Best First Year Player – Eddie Betts
At just 18 years of age Eddie played 19 games in his first season after being Carlton’s first selection, number three overall, in the pre-season draft. Overlooked in the 2004 National Draft Eddie displayed the explosive style of football that earned him All Australian Under 18 selection in 2003. Very fast and a superb goal sneak Eddie enjoyed an excellent first year in AFL football.



Past Players Encouragement Award – Brad Fisher
Returned to the side in round 16 after recovering from a knee reconstruction following the injury he sustained in round 18 in 2004. In a wonderful return to AFL after almost 12 months, Brad was voted as second best on the ground and polled 78 votes in the John Nicholls Medal in his seven games for 2005. His importance to the Carlton team was underlined in those final seven games of the season and he will benefit from a full pre-season for the 2006 season.



Player Ambassador of the Year Award - Cory McGrath
This Women of Carlton Award is to recognise the players for their on-field achievements as well as their work within the community and the manner in which they represent the club on and off the field. Cory displayed outstanding qualities throughout 2005 both on and off the field setting a wonderful example for everyone at the Carlton Football Club.