THE 2026 John Nicholls Medal is upon us!

The Blues’ highest individual honour will be awarded this Sunday night, with Carlton Media to preview some of the team’s leading chances over the next few days - line by line.

Signing off after the forwards and defenders, it’s time for the midfielders. Read more below!

Who could poll well?

Patrick Cripps

Could Patrick Cripps make Carlton history on Sunday night? Cripps enters this week as one of only two players in the history of the Blues to win five best and fairest awards, alongside the award’s namesake John Nicholls himself. Once again the Blues’ most prolific Brownlow Medal vote getter in 2026, Cripps’ form from Round 7 onwards was exemplary. He achieved three consecutive best-on-ground performances from Rounds 10-12, and that’s when he’ll be expected to make his move in the John Nicholls Medal count.

Sam Walsh

One of the favourites to take home the award, Sam Walsh is looking for his second John Nicholls Medal after his initial triumph in 2021. Playing every game in the 2026 campaign (the first time in five years), Walsh was Carlton’s best player in a difficult early start to the season, and he maintained that form as the year went on. Consistent from the very first game, Walsh ended the season with another exceptional finals campaign, collecting a season-high 39 disposals in the win over Melbourne which is sure to hold him in good stead.

Jagga Smith

Could he? Jagga Smith ended the season as the 2026 Telstra AFL Rising Star winner, and his standing in his first John Nicholls Medal will be of great intrigue on Sunday night. Smith wasted no time in getting the ball rolling in his first season of playing football, earning his Rising Star nomination against Richmond after a 16-disposal opening term. His performances in the big games will hold him in good stead, achieving three Brownlow votes against both Grand Finalists in Brisbane (Round 21) and Fremantle (Round 24) while kicking two final-quarter goals in the wildcard win over Melbourne.

The smokey

Marc Pittonet

We can’t just talk about the on-ballers, can we? There won’t be many more popular vote-getters in the Crown Palladium as Marc Pittonet, with the Club favourite enjoying a career-best season in 2026. Despite missing matches due to hand and hamstring injuries, Pittonet’s 22 games this season were a career-high, and the work he not only did himself, but also what he did for his teammates was noticeable throughout the season. His form to bookend the season will see ‘Brad’ get the recognition from the coaches.