LACHIE Fogarty has been crowned the Carlton Reserves' 2026 Best and Fairest after featuring in 17 matches across the season, polling 136 votes.
Fogarty’s tackle pressure and eagerness to hunt the ball was a standout feature of his game. He impressed most in Carlton’s win against Tasmania collecting 24 disposals, laying six tackles and kicking two goals.
Adam Saad followed closely in second place, polling 122 votes across 15 matches this year where he averaged 21.9 disposals and 2.7 tackles per game.
Saad’s contribution was also recognised with the Coaches’ Award for the leadership he showed for the emerging group.
Rounding out the podium was Jordan Boyd, who polled 113 votes throughout his 17 VFL games.
Featuring predominately as a lockdown defender, Boyd particularly impressed in the side’s Round 15 win against Richmond where he collected 18 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked one major.
In his second season at the Blues, promising youngster Taj Logan was awarded with the Best Young player whilst experienced captain Darcy Tucker was acknowledged as Best Clubman.
In just his first season at Carlton, Jack Sammartino received the VFL Blue Collar Award, voted on by his teammates for consistently representing the core values held highly at Carlton.
VFL Coach Damian Truslove said all the winners were deserving of their recognition.
“To see Lachie, Adam and Jordan rewarded on the podium tonight is a credit to the contribution they’ve made to the VFL program across the season,” Truslove said.
“Darcy, Taj and Jack quickly earned the respect of teammates and staff for the way each of them approached their training and recovery plus the way they led on game day, setting the tone for everyone around them.
"The group has grown enormously across the year and making finals was a result of that. Whilst the result on the day didn't go our way, the effort and commitment they put into this program all season didn't go unnoticed and we can’t wait to hit the ground running in 2027.”
2026 VFL Awards
VFL Best & Fairest Winner – Lachie Fogarty
VFL Best & Fairest Runner-up – Adam Saad
VFL Best & Fairest Third Place – Jordan Boyd
Best Clubman – Darcy Tucker
Best Young Player – Taj Logan
VFL Blue Collar Award – Jack Sammartino
Coaches Award – Adam Saad
