SAM Walsh has claimed what looms as the first of many John Nicholls medals as the ultimate reward for a breakout 2021.
Walsh, who grew up at Cobden before shifting to Geelong, polled 183 votes to defeat second-placed Jacob Weitering on 173 and Coleman medallist Harry McKay on 118 in Thursday night's virtual event.
The 21-year-old also took out the Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award, recognising his bravery, resilience and commitment each week.
Walsh also claimed the Carltonians' William A. Cook Trophy after the club's longest serving and premier match-day coterie voted him the Blues' best and fairest for the second-successive year.
Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd said Walsh was destined to enter the club's best and fairest ranks.
"When Sam was drafted to our football club in 2018 he was determined to succeed and make an impact in the navy blue and tonight serves as recognition for doing just that," Lloyd said.
"What he has achieved in his career to date is extraordinary and becoming a John Nicholls medallist marks another very special moment for him, which we and the whole Carlton family should be extremely proud of.
"While he is an undeniable talent, it has been extremely rewarding for our entire football club to see him continue to progress over the course of the last three years and enjoy another prolific season.
"He has worked unbelievably hard to become the player that he is, and after getting extremely close last year, we are thrilled that Sam has been duly recognised tonight."
Walsh's award-laden evening came on the back of 30 Brownlow Medal votes with a fourth-place finish in the league's vote count.
He also registered a sixth-place finish in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, his first All-Australian blazer and a third consecutive call-up and maiden captaincy of the AFLPA's 22under22 side.
2021 John Nicholls Medal leaderboard:
- Sam Walsh 183 votes
- Jacob Weitering 172 votes
- Harry McKay 118 votes
- Patrick Cripps 112 votes
- Ed Curnow 100 votes
- Adam Saad 97 votes
- Lachie Plowman 86 votes
- Liam Jones 80 votes
- Eddie Betts 75 votes
- Jack Silvagni 71 votes
2021 award winners:
- The Carltonians William A. Cook Trophy: Sam Walsh
- Spirit of Carlton Award: Jack Silvagni
- Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award: Sam Walsh
- Best Young Player Award: Liam Stocker
- Best Clubman Award: Marc Pittonet
- Coaches Award: Jacob Weitering
- Most Valuable Bluebagger Award: Jacob Weitering
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
