SAM Walsh is now a dual John Nicholls Medallist, after tonight being crowned as Carlton’s best and fairest player for 2026.  

Walsh concluded the night a clear winner on 212 votes, ahead of new recruit Ollie Florent (177) votes and Carlton captain Patrick Cripps (176). 

Leading the entire night, Walsh cemented himself in Carlton history, receiving a record amount of votes under this voting system, eclipsing the previous record set by Jacob Weitering (210) in 2023. He was also the only player to get a vote in every game, including topping the voting in 10 different games. 

zTonight’s win saw Walsh become the 27th player to win multiple Carlton best and fairest awards (24th VFL/AFL, three AFLW). It is also just reward for Walsh, who turned his back on free agency earlier this year to re-commit to the Club long-term. 

The co-vice captain achieves this honour after a standout season where he averaged 29.1 disposals and ranked No.1 at the Blues for disposals (fifth in the AFL), score involvements and inside 50s. 

Racking up 30 or more disposals on 12 occasions, the former Gary Ayres Medallist further enhanced his finals reputation in the wildcard win against Melbourne, starring with a season-high 39 disposals, eight score involvements and seven clearances. 

One of seven Blues to have played in every game this season, the midfielder - who recently earned 14 Brownlow votes - was also acknowledged by Carlton’s coterie groups, winning the Carltonians William A. Cook Award in addition to the John Nicholls Medal. 

In his first season at Carlton, Ollie Florent was a deserving runner-up.  

Playing every game, Florent proved to be an essential new addition in Carlton’s defence. Respected for his leadership and drive from half-back, the 28-year-old was Carlton’s No.1 ranked player at the Blues for kicks, rebound 50s and metres gained in 2026.  

In a year where he played his 200th AFL game, he was a consistent presence on-field, achieving 20 disposals or more across 18 games. And whilst we had a strong impact on the field, he’s had an even more profound impact off the field from the moment he walked into IKON Park.    

Claiming third place was five-time John Nicholls Medallist Patrick Cripps. In a season that saw him once again land in the top five of the Brownlow Medal, Cripps ended the year as No.1 in the AFL in for total clearances and total contested possessions. 

Emerging midfielder Jagga Smith took out the night’s Best Young Player award as well as the Interstate Coterie Award. In a standout first AFL season, where we was named the 2026 Telstra AFL Rising Star winner, Smith also ended the night in fourth place in the John Nicholls Medal count. 

Also securing a top 10 spot was Harry Dean, who was regarded by his teammates winning the ‘Blue Collar’ Players Award. An instant fan favourite, he additionally took out the Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award.  

Will Hayward’s contribution to the Club in his first season at the Blues was recognised when we took out the Best Clubman, Coaches’ and Spirit of Carlton Awards (the latter voted on by the Club’s past players). 

Finally, co-vice captain Jacob Weitering walked away as the Best Finals Player, starring in the Blues’ wildcard and elimination finals. 

Carlton AFL Senior Coach Josh Fraser said Walsh's consistency throughout the season had been outstanding.  

“Awards like this don't happen by accident: Sam's win tonight is a direct result of the standard he holds for himself and his teammates every single week,” Fraser said. 

“What stands out for us is his competitiveness and constant hunger to get better. It would be hard to find another player with as much drive and determination as Sam - how he trains and prepares during the week sets up how he performs in games. 

“His engine and work in the contest are excellent: few players cover as much ground or try and win the ball back the way he does. Having the season he’s had, to not only play every game but to the standard he has, says a lot about his character and the work he has put in to get himself to the position to perform week in and week out.  

“I congratulate him on a second John Nicholls Medal, it is thoroughly deserved. 

“I also want to acknowledge all the other award winners tonight: to have seven different players recognised is fantastic and showcases the spread of talent and character we have across the playing group. 

“This club means so much to so many of us. As we look ahead to next year, we strive to be honest, humble and focused on getting the job done – that is how we will build something sustainable. Congratulations again to all the winners.” 

2026 John Nicholls Medal leaderboard  

1. Sam Walsh - 212  
2. Ollie Florent - 177 
3. Patrick Cripps - 176 
4. Jagga Smith - 167 
5. Lachlan Cowan - 150 
6. Nick Haynes - 140 
7. Harry Dean - 136 
8. George Hewett - 127 
=9. Ben Ainsworth - 126 
=9. Francis Evans - 126 

Other award winners 

Best Young Player - Jagga Smith  
Best Clubman - Will Hayward 
Coaches' Award - Will Hayward 
Players' Award - Harry Dean 
Best Finals Player - Jacob Weitering 
Carltonians William A. Cook Award - Sam Walsh 
Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award - Harry Dean 
Spirit of Carlton Award - Will Hayward 
Interstate Coterie Award - Jagga Smith