The W.S Crichton Medal is the most prestigious individual club award an Essendon footballer can win. The honor roll is littered with champions and 2001 will add another name to that list. But just who would be leading the award going into the last five rounds? It is a difficult question to answer suffice to say the standouts appear to be Essendon captain James Hird, explosive mid-fielder Jason Johnson, full forward Matthew Lloyd and in-form defender Sean Wellman.
Hird had a sensational first half of the season but injury has slowed his progress in recent weeks. Having won the award three times previously he is certain to be at the top of the leadeboard again.
Jason Johnson rocketed to the head of Brownlow Medal betting one week ago after consecutive best-on-ground performances against Geelong and the Kangaroos. Johnson has missed just one game this season and has been solid all season. If he can finish the season strongly he will be there at the business end.
Wellman is back in the form which saw him earn All Australian selection in 1998. He also finished second in the best and fairest that year. Playing as a winger / half-back, Wellman has got a lot of the football all season and used it well. He is almost certain to again earn All Australian selection and he might just be able to add a Crichton Medal to that honor.
Matthew Lloyd has kicked 79 goals and again looks certain to kick 100 goals and win the Coleman Medal in consecutive seasons. That is recommendation enough. He has been a standout performer in a number of games. He has finished third on two occasions but he might go all the way this year.
Who is the best roughie? Adam Ramanauskas is one that could surprise. The 1999 reserve's best and fairest winner has had an exceptional season for the Bombers whether playing a negative or attacking role. Blake Caracella has missed some football but polled well last year. He would need to finish very strongly.
The W.S Crichton Medal count is being held on Wednesday, October 3. It should be a very interesting night.
