ZACH Merrett has joined exclusive Essendon company in becoming a dual Crichton medallist as the Bombers' club champion.

Merrett, who turns 24 on Thursday, won the 2019 best and fairest award with 427 votes, from fellow midfielder Dylan Shiel (389) and dashing defender Adam Saad (376).

Essendon's vice-captain also earned the honour three years ago, a season before he joined the game's elite in making his first All Australian team. 

Irishman Conor McKenna (361) and skipper Dyson Heppell (353) rounded out the top five.

Merrett captained the Bombers five times this year in Dyson Heppell's injury absence, as well as polling a team-high 16 Brownlow Medal votes to record a top-20 finish. 

He averaged 28.3 disposals across 23 games this year, along with career highs in contested possessions (10.7) and clearances (4.7).

Merrett also led the Bombers for pressure acts (26.6) and uncontested possessions (17.9). 

The Sandringham Dragons product is now one of 10 Essendon footballers to have claimed the Crichton Medal twice, including Scott Lucas, Jason Johnson and ex-coach Mark Thompson.

Only 11 Bombers have surpassed that feat in the club's history. 

Multiple Crichton medallists

Senior coach John Worsfold praised Merrett's consistency and development as an on- and off-field leader. 

"He continues to impress us with his attitude and work ethic, never showing complacency but rather wanting to strive to improve all aspects of his game," Worsfold said.

"As we continue to build the chemistry among our midfield group, Zach will continue to provide important leadership through not only our midfield, but across the field next season and beyond." 

Shiel made an instant impact at Tullamarine after his high-profile move from Greater Western Sydney in last year's Telstra AFL Trade Period.

He missed just one match in averaging 26.2 possessions (11.1 contested), 5.3 clearances and five inside 50s, while ex-Sun Saad averaged 17.6 touches and was second in the AFL for bounces. 

Dylan Shiel and Adam Saad rounded out the top three in the Crichton Medal. Picture: AFL Photos

2019 Crichton Medal top 10

1. Zach Merrett (427)
2. Dylan Shiel (389)
3. Adam Saad (376)
4. Conor McKenna (361)
5. Dyson Heppell (353)
6. Andrew McGrath (343)
7. Patrick Ambrose (324)
8. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (321)
9. Darcy Parish (313)
10. Michael Hurley (307)

Club awards

Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman: David Zaharakis
Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player: Patrick Ambrose
Matthew Lloyd Leading Goalkicker: Jake Stringer
Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star: Dylan Clarke
Most Improved Player: Mason Redman
John Kilby Trainers and Staff Award: Dyson Heppell