MAX GAWN is now a four-time Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy winner, awarded the honour at Melbourne’s AFL Best and Fairest event on Friday night. 
 
Gawn joins an illustrious group of Demons, becoming just the fourth player in club history to claim four ‘Bluey’ trophies.  
 
The Melbourne skipper finished atop the best and fairest leaderboard on Friday night with a record-breaking 680 votes.  

Gawn can add this honour to his long list of achievements for the 2026 season. In August, he was named All Australian captain and became the only player in AFL history to receive nine All Australian selections.  
 

He was then celebrated again in September, finishing fourth in the 2026 Brownlow Medal count (28 votes), becoming Melbourne’s all-time vote-getter for the award.  
 
These accolades come after a campaign that saw Gawn, incredibly, add more versatility to his already celebrated skillset.  

The 34-year-old continued to demonstrate the elite ruck craft he’s known for, while showing his importance across the ground, averaging a career-high 21 disposals and six clearances, while maintaining solid numbers across marks (four), hitouts (33) and intercepts (four). 
 
In what has been a new era for the Dees under coach Steven King, Gawn’s leadership on and off the field this season has helped guide his team to a fourth finals series since taking on the captaincy.  
 
Gawn edged out fellow All Australian Kysaiah Pickett, who polled 611 votes and was awarded the Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy for runner up.  

This is the highest best and fairest finish in Pickett’s career and is a testament to the development he’s shown in 2026.  
 
Taking on further responsibility through the midfield, Pickett relished in the fresh opportunity, averaging a career-high 22 disposals and four clearances. 

 
While more of his match minutes were spent in the middle of the ground, his electric energy continued to be important for Melbourne inside 50, the livewire Demon kicking a total of 28 goals across 24 games. 

Finishing third in the count on 545 votes was midfield bull Tom Sparrow, who was awarded the Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy.  
 
Sparrow pushed his game to new heights in 2026, averaging career-high numbers across disposals (21), clearances (five) and tackles (six).  

Similarly to Pickett, Sparrow flourished with more responsibility through the centre of the ground, his tenacity and leadership helping drive the Dees to their 15-win campaign.  
 
Kade Chandler (537 votes) finished in fourth place, receiving the Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy, with Jack Steele (526 votes) awarded the Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy to round out the top five. 
 
In other awards, Chandler and Daniel Turner were both recognised as the Trademark Players for the season, receiving the James McDonald Trophy. The two were acknowledged as the Demons that most embodied the football program’s values.  
 
Koltyn Tholstrup was celebrated for his impact both on and off the field, honoured with two awards on the night. He was the recipient of the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy for Best Young Player. This comes after a career-best season where the 21-year-old took on a new role across the backline.  

He also received the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy for Club Ambassador. The award recognised Thosltrup’s positive impact on the wider community, having embraced his role as ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia.  
 
In his first year at the Demons, Steele’s leadership was a clear standout, awarded the Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy, while Sparrow’s career-best campaign was presented the Coaches Award. 

2026 Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy – Top 10 

Max Gawn – 680 votes  
Kysaiah Pickett – 611 votes 
Tom Sparrow – 545 votes 
Kade Chandler – 537 votes 
Jack Steele – 526 votes  
Koltyn Tholstrup – 455 votes 
Harry Sharp – 415 votes 
Ed Langdon – 389 votes  
Daniel Turner – 379 votes  
Harvey Langford – 376 votes 
 

James McDonald Trophy – Trademark Player 

Kade Chandler and Daniel Turner  

Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy – Club Ambassador Award 

Koltyn Tholstrup  

Harold Ball Memorial Trophy – Best Young Player 

Koltyn Tholstrup 

Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy – Leadership Award 

Jack Steele 

Norm Smith Memorial Trophy – Coaches Award 

Tom Sparrow 

Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy – Best VFL Player  
 
Jack Henderson