George Hewett has been crowned Carlton’s best and fairest player for the year, after being named the 2025 John Nicholls Medallist.   

Hewett finished the night a clear winner on 160 votes, ahead of co-vice captain Jacob Weitering on 147 votes and midfielder Adam Cerra on 129 votes.  

The 29-year-old comes off a career-best season, where he ranked elite with averages of 28.1 disposals, 6.5 clearances and 5.7 tackles. 

One of only six players to have played in every game this season, he collected 30 or more disposals on eight occasions, including a career-high 39 against West Coast and 35 against North Melbourne in Round 6 where he was also awarded the inaugural SuperClash Superhero Medal for the best player on ground.  

Earning a career-high 10 Brownlow votes, including two best on grounds, the recently re-signed midfielder ranked No.1 in the AFL for total handballs, as well as ranking in the top 10 for total contested possessions, total clearances, total centre clearances, and effective disposals per game.  

In addition to the Club’s highest individual honour, Hewett was acknowledged as the ultimate clubman, also receiving the Players and Coaches Award on the night. 

Dual John Nicholls Medallist (2020 and 2023), Weitering was a worthy runner-up, leading the team defence and featuring in every game for the season. Someone who consistently stood up in the backline, he ranked 8th in total intercepts and 10th in total marks across the whole competition.  

Claiming third place, Cerra marked his first time landing in the top three of the best and fairest since arriving at the Blues. Enjoying a full pre-season, he had a blistering start to the season, averaging 24.6 disposals, 4.7 marks and 4.7 total clearances. Starring in the midfield, he ranked second in centre clearances for the Blues, only behind Hewett, and 14th in the AFL.  

Rounding out the top five were new Blue and veteran defender Nick Haynes (126 votes) and five-time John Nicholls Medallist Patrick Cripps (125 votes).  

Emerging midfielder Cooper Lord also took out the night’s best young player award. Rewarded for an excellent 2025 season, the Round 10 Telstra AFL Rising Star played 21 games, garnering valuable experience at AFL level as an inside midfielder.  

Carlton AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss said Hewett was a very worthy winner.  

“George is the ultimate team player – humble, hardworking, hungry – he is the type of player you dream of coaching,” said Voss. 

“A competitor on the field, his consistency and reliability are trademarks of his game. He’s a player who gives his everything week in and week out, whether it’s bursting out of a contest, chasing down an opponent or lifting up his teammates, he is someone who truly plays for the monogram.  

“Tonight’s achievement is also a true testament not only to his on-field ability, but also the outstanding work he does off the field. George is relentless on the training track with remarkable dedication to his football craft as well as his leadership not only in the midfield but team wide. 

“We couldn’t be prouder to award George with his first John Nicholls Medal, I think I speak for everyone at the Club in saying we couldn’t think of a more deserving winner.”   

2025 John Nicholls Medal leader board  

1. George Hewett – 160
2. Jacob Weitering – 147
3. Adam Cerra – 129
4. Nick Haynes – 126
5. Patrick Cripps – 125
6. Tom De Koning – 117
7. Ollie Hollands – 99
8. Sam Walsh – 93
= 9. Zac Williams – 86 
= 9. Adam Saad – 86 
= 9. Jack Silvagni – 86 

Other award winners 

Best Young Player – Cooper Lord

Best Clubman – Marc Pittonet  

Coaches Award – George Hewett 

Players Award – George Hewett 

Carltonian’s William A. Cook Award – George Hewett  

Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award – George Hewett 

Spirit of Carlton Award – Cooper Lord  

Interstate Coterie Award – George Hewett 

VFL BNF – Ethan Phillips 

VFLW BNF – Amy Trindade