Marcus Bontempelli has drawn level with Scott West after winning his seventh Charles Sutton Medal

Marcus Bontempelli celebrates a goal during the Western Bulldogs’ clash against Fremantle in round eight, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

WESTERN Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has drawn level with champion midfielder Scott West after winning an equal club-best seventh Charles Sutton Medal at Crown Palladium on Wednesday night. 

The 30-year-old, who collected an eighth All-Australian blazer last month, added another accolade to his glittering CV after finishing third in the Brownlow Medal behind Nick Daicos and Bailey Smith. 

Bontempelli won his seventh best and fairest in 11 years dating back to his first win in the fairytale premiership season in 2016. 

West won his collection of Charles Sutton Medals across the same 11-season span between 1995 and 2005, before retiring at the end of 2008 following 324 appearances in the red, white and blue. 

Bontempelli started 2026 by captaining Victoria in the return of Origin and will head into 2027 with Zak Butters set to land at the Mission Whitten Oval by the end of the trade period after nominating the Bulldogs earlier this month. 

After winning last year’s best and fairest, Ed Richards finished runner-up on 248 votes, while the improvement of key defender James O’Donnell was recognised with a third-place finish in the Charles Sutton Medal. 

Ed Richards celebrates a goal during the Elimination Final between the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on September 5, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Richards starred again in 2026, overcoming early injury issues to be named in the All-Australian squad and top 20 in the AFLCA player of the year award.

O’Donnell has risen from being signed early in 2023 as a Category B rookie to a permanent fixture down back across the past two seasons. 

James O’Donnell and Buku Khamis celebrate the Western Bulldogs’ win over Adelaide in R2, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Buku Khamis was also recognised on Wednesday night with fourth spot just weeks after signing a five-year contract extension, after turning down a lucrative offer from Carlton to remain at the Western Bulldogs.

Arty Jones also made the decision to stay at the club and earned the Tony Liberatore most improved player award after a breakout campaign for the small forward.

Charles Sutton Medal leaderboard

1. Marcus Bontempelli – 319 votes
2. Ed Richards – 248
3. James O’Donnell – 231
4. Buku Khamis – 194
5. Aaron Naughton – 192
6. Bailey Dale – 177
7. Matthew Kennedy – 149
8. Bailey Williams – 142
9. Lachlan Bramble – 127
10. Tim English – 111

Chris Grant Best First Year Player: Michael Sellwood
Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player: Arthur Jones
Brad Johnson Best Team Player: Buku Khamis
John Van Groningen Award: Marcus Bontempelli & Ed Richards 
Scott West Most Courageous Award: Aaron Naughton
John Schultz Community Award: Tom Liberatore