Essendon chairman Graeme McMahon summed up most people's thoughts on Wednesday night at the Crichton Medal when he presented Scott Lucas with his best and fairest award. ""This gives me a great deal of pleasure. Some weeks ago I read in the press that Scott was under pressure and clubs were chasing him and people were ringing me up saying, 'are you really going to let Scott Lucas go.' I had great pleasure in saying no bloody way! So Scott, congratulations, it is a terrific effort,"" McMahon said.

Scott Lucas' acceptance speech:
""To the fellow winners tonight, there was a lot of guys that had great seasons, so to be up here is a very humbling experience and something I will never forget. Coming down to the last votes, I thought I was no chance but I think I had a little bit of luck and am very happy to share this with Hirdy. To all the other winners also, well done.

""To the medical staff and the trainers, they do a super job. They get you up for games, when you probably shouldn't play. Also to the physios and docs, they do a great job. When you get injured, they massage your ego a bit when you are down and help you get back out there and playing, so I owe them a lot too.

""To my mum, dad and sister Leah, who go as often as they can. My sister was the football partner for my wife this season. She seemed to go each week and that support certainly doesn't go unnoticed and I appreciate it greatly.

""Also to the players, for a team that finished in the finals, we were by no means happy about where we finished, but we seemed to cop a fair bit of negative press for a team that did that. If we can learn anything from that, it is don't read the papers too often and get on with the job.

""I must also thank TAG Heuer for sponsoring the night and for the gift.""