IN HIS first season in the Navy Blue, Ethan Phillips has been crowned as the 2025 Carlton Reserves Best and Fairest.
Featuring in every match this season, Phillips was a mainstay in the Blues defensive line, leading with poise and composure in an emerging VFL side, polling 159 votes.
Leading the competition for intercept possessions and known for his impressive intercept marking ability, the 26-year-old collected 27 disposals (18 of those intercepts) and took 18 marks (five contested) in the Round 16 game against Brisbane.
Along with taking the top spot, Phillps’ stellar season, great character and positive off-field contribution also earned him the Players’ Player of the Year award.
A shining light in the Carlton Reserves side, Darcy Hogg finished in second place of the count, polling 106 votes.
The son of Carlton 1995 premiership player Matthew, Hogg was selected in every VFL game this season after just five matches in 2024.
Playing as a high half-forward, Hogg combined his ability to weave through traffic with his class when in possession, kicking 17 goals for the season – he was a multiple goalkicker in each of the last three games for the year.
His incredible growth throughout 2025 also saw him crowned the Best Young Player.
Rounding out the podium was Harry Lemmey, who registered 89 votes in a solid VFL season.
Ending the year as the VFL Blues’ leading goalkicker, Lemmey finished the season with 31 goals, including a seven-goal showing against Sydney in Round 8.
Promising youngster Flynn Riley was acknowledged with the Coaches’ Award for his tireless effort and strong work ethic throughout the season.
An emerging ruck, Riley’s talent was on display when he won 35 hitouts and laid four tackles in the final game of the season which saw him named in the coaches’ best players.
In a year where he went from co-captain to sole captain, Heath Ramshaw continued to truly live out the core values of Carlton - both on and off-field - to earn him the Best Clubman award.
VFL Senior Coach Luke Power said it was great to recognise and celebrate the efforts of each player this season.
“It is important to bring attention to the team and their efforts this season. We have seen a high level of commitment to growth and development this season which has been really pleasing,” Power said.
“Each of top three in Ethan, Darcy and Harry have earned their spot on the podium and deserved it for the hard work they have put in across the year.
“Coming across from an AFL club, Ethan is a resilient and determined player who quickly earned the respect of his teammates and the staff. He has shown such consistent form this year and has held the team together in so many games during the year. Ethan deserves to be named as our VFL Best and Fairest this year as well as the Players’ Player of the Year.
“Darcy’s growth and development this season has been fantastic. He is always last out on the track and has such a strong and impressive work ethic, to improve his craft. We have seen him really own this space and he has really come out of his shell both on and off the field which has been great to see: he’s also an extremely deserving recipient of the Best Young Player award.
"Our reserves side has show some really impressive growth this year and the Club remains committed to investing in and developing each player to help them continue to excel and perform to the best of their ability.
2025 Carlton Reserves’ VFL Best and Fairest awards
Best and Fairest – Ethan Phillips (159 votes)
Runner-up – Darcy Hogg (106 votes)
Third place – Harry Lemmey (89 votes)
Best Young Player – Darcy Hogg
Best Clubman – Heath Ramshaw
Coaches Award – Flynn Riley
Players' Player of the Year – Ethan Phillips
