Will Hams and Aaron Heppell were among the Essendon VFL players to be recognised for their outstanding season's at Monday’s J.J Liston Awards at Crown Palladium.

Hams finished equal fifth in the voting for the 2016 J.J. Liston Trophy for the Peter Jackson VFL’s best and fairest player.

The 22 year-old played 10 home and away season matches polling 13 votes, four votes behind winner Michael Gibbons from Williamstown.

Gibbons won the count on 17 votes from Geelong’s George Horlin-Smith on 15, while Williamstown’s Ben Jolley and Port Melbourne’s Toby Pinwill both polled 14.

Hams tied in fifth along with Casey Scorpion Alex Neal-Bullen and Sandringham’s Eli Templeton.

Hams, who played eight AFL matches this season, was ultra consistent at VFL level averaging 28 disposals from rounds five to eight prior to his AFL selection.

Shaun McKernan was the next best Bomber, polling nine votes from as many matches.

Aaron Heppell’s breakout season was awarded with selection in the VFL’s Team of the Year, named in the back pocket.

Heppell was the only Bomber to play every game this season and further enhanced his reputation when he moved into the midfield later on in the season.

The 21 year-old was also shortlisted for the Fothergill-Round Medal as the most promising young player in the VFL.

Essendon VFL team manager Alan Stevens received the Alec Gillon Award, in recognition of honorary club officials who have provided outstanding service to their club or football in general.

Stevens has been involved with the Bombers in various roles for five decades, starting in 1966.