TONIGHT, Melbourne will honour its year in the AFL, looking back on the season that was and crowning its Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott trophy winner.
Throughout the evening, 11 awards will be handed out, with a number of Demons celebrated for making an impact in 2026.
Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy | Max Gawn
Melbourne skipper Max Gawn has reached rarefied air, securing his fourth Keith ‘Bluey’ Memorial Trophy and becoming just the fourth Demon to accomplish the feat.
With a record-breaking 680 votes, Gawn has polled the highest vote tally in Melbourne’s history.
At 34 years old, Gawn produced arguably the best season of his career. Averaging more than six clearances and 21 disposals per game, he also led the competition with 789 hit-outs across the 2026 campaign.
His influence has extended well beyond the contest, guiding the Demons to a 15-win season and their fourth finals campaign since taking on the captaincy in 2020.
Recognised for his elite ruck craft and skill, Gawn made AFL history in August when he was awarded his ninth All-Australian blazer, before being named All-Australian captain for a second time in recognition of his leadership.
In 2026, Gawn also became Melbourne’s all-time leading Brownlow Medal vote-getter, while collecting the most Brownlow votes by a ruckman in a single season.
Our skipper really is timeless.
Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy | Kysaiah Pickett
Kysaiah ‘Kozzy’ Pickett has been awarded the Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy, an honour given to the player voted in second place in the club’s overall best and fairest vote count.
With a count of 611, Pickett has added another honour to his already decorated portfolio.
After spending significantly more time in the midfield, Pickett achieved career-best numbers, including 33-disposal, nine-tackle and eight-clearance performances.
After finishing in the top-five in 2024 (fourth) and 2025 (third), Pickett accepts his first second-place trophy, a testament to the work he put in throughout the season.
The 24-year-old stood up in big moments throughout the season and was recognised by being awarded both the Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal on Anzac Day Eve and the Neale Daniher Trophy in the annual King’s Birthday match.
Pickett also earned his second All-Australian blazer in 2026, another accolade in the young midfielder’s career.
Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy | Tom Sparrow
In third place and reaching the best and fairest podium for the first time, Tom Sparrow has been awarded the Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy (third place) with a vote count of 545.
Sparrow has had an outstanding 2026 campaign, reaching career-best numbers in all aspects of his game.
Rewarded for his efforts, Sparrow earned a full 10 coaches votes for his performance in the club’s Round 19 victory over North Melbourne, finishing with 33 disposals, 10 clearances and six tackles.
While establishing himself as an emerging leader both on and off the field, Sparrow has become an essential member of Melbourne’s midfield.
In 2026, Sparrow also signed a five-year deal with the Demons, securing his future and solidifying his commitment to the red and blue.
Ivor Warne Smith Memorial Trophy | Kade Chandler
Finishing in fourth place, Kade Chandler takes home the Ivor Warne Smith Memorial Trophy for 2026.
Chandler finishes the season with a vote count of 537, earning a top five finish for the first time in his career.
The 26-year-old has become one of the Demons most dependable players, consistently putting up strong performances week in, week out.
Reaching his 100th-game milestone in 2026, Chandler marked the occasion with a masterclass, producing a career-high four-goal performance in the side’s Round 23 victory over Port Adelaide.
After being recognised with the club’s annual leadership award in 2025, Chandler has continued to grow as a leader, with his professionalism both on and off the field shining through in another strong season.
Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy | Jack Steele
In his first season in red and blue, Jack Steele will take home the club’s Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy with a count of 526, the award given to the player who finishes fifth overall.
The previous St Kilda captain has come into the side and made an immediate impact, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the program.
Aside from his exceptional off-field qualities, Steele has been pivotal in new coach Steven King’s vision for Melbourne’s game style.
Averaging over 23 disposals, six tackles and five clearances, Steele has proved himself as an all-rounder worthy of a top-five finish.
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy | Coaches Award | Tom Sparrow
Tom Sparrow has earned the highest regard of his coaches, taking home the Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (Coaches Award) for the second time in his career.
Arguably one of the side’s most improved players on the field, Sparrow’s incredible impact extends well beyond his performances on game day.
His team-first mentality, outstanding work rate and continued growth as a player, leader and teammate have been recognised by his coaches, earning him another accolade.
After first receiving the award in 2022, Sparrow has continued to build on his game and earn the respect of his coaches through his performances and contribution throughout the year.
James McDonald Trophy | Trademark Player | Kade Chandler & Daniel Turner
(ruthless, selfless, connected)
In a tie, Kade Chandler and Daniel Turner will both take home the James McDonald Trophy (Trademark Player) in 2026.
This award is given to the player who embodies the club’s football trademark values of being ruthless, selfless and connected, both on and off the field.
Both Chandler and Turner are the epitome of these values, which have stood out this season.
Turner, who current captain Max Gawn has identified as possessing the values to one day become captain, has become one of the club’s most important defensive units.
While being in career best form on-field, Turner has also established himself as an emerging leader within the playing group.
Chandler’s willingness to play his role and consistently put the team first reflects his worthiness of this award.
While balancing fatherhood and being a player for the first time in 2026, Chandler’s skill, work-ethic and determination is the reason he has remained a pivotal member of Melbourne’s best 23.
Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy | Club Ambassador | Koltyn Tholstrup
Young star Koltyn Tholstrup has been awarded the 2026 Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy (Club Ambassador), recognising the significant positive impact he has made both within the club and across the wider community.
Throughout his time at Melbourne, Tholstrup has embraced his role as an ambassador for BCNA, representing the club at its annual ‘Pink Lady’ match and building a close relationship with Bernadette, a breast cancer survivor he played for in 2024. He has also supported Carmen’s Fun Run, helping raise funds for BCNA.
Beyond his work with BCNA, Tholstrup has continued to give back to his hometown of Esperance (Western Australia), representing the club and connecting with the local community.
Within Melbourne, he has also been a leader of the Academy Group and a positive presence across the club, recognised for his commitment, energy and ability to bring people together.
The Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy is a fitting recognition of the impact Tholstrup has made in 2026.
Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy | Leadership Award | Jack Steele
Jack Steele has made his mark as a pivotal member of the Demons leadership group, being awarded the Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy (Leadership Award).
A natural-born leader, Steele has stepped up during his transition to the club. While he has not taken on a formal leadership position, he has established himself as a mature voice within the group and a key support for captain Max Gawn.
In moments where the side has needed composure, Steele’s experience has shone through, proving his natural ability to lead both on and off the field.
Steele collects his first award for the club in just 12 months, and alongside Tom Sparrow, the red and blue’s midfield continues to look a formidable force.
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy | Best Young Player | Koltyn Tholstrup
Koltyn Tholstrup has been recognised by his coaches for his impressive development and on-field skill, taking home the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best Young Player).
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a career-best season, playing every game of the 2026 campaign and showing continued growth across his game.
Tasked with taking on some of the competition’s best small forwards, Tholstrup has flourished under Steven King, embracing the challenge and developing into a reliable player within the side’s best 23.
Tholstrup will be one to watch in 2027.
Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy | Best VFL player | Jack Henderson
Jack Henderson has been awarded the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy, presented to the Casey Demons’ best AFL-listed player.
Henderson finished first in the Casey Demons’ Best and Fairest, polling a total of 101 votes.
In 2026, he established himself as one of the Casey Demons’ most consistent ball users through the midfield. His ability to win possession and contribute defensively was highlighted by multiple performances featuring 20+ disposals and eight or more tackles.
His consistent performances throughout the season ultimately saw him recognised with the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy
LIFE MEMBERS
Melbourne has welcomed three new Life Members at tonight’s Best and Fairest.
Former senior coach Simon Goodwin headlines the 2026 inductees, recognised for his significant contribution to the club across his time as both a player and coach.
John Trotter and Sophie Galer were also inducted as Life Members, honoured for their lasting service to the Melbourne Football Club.
