Henry Slattery has been rewarded for his gutsy efforts against Carlton in which a sickening collision with Brendan Fevola’s knee knocked him unconscious.

The 22-year-old defender was tonight awarded the most courageous award at the 2008 Crichton Medal at Crown Palladium. The collision typified Slattery’s commitment to putting his body on the line in order to win the hard ball.

The Lindsay Griffith’s Rising Star award was won by excitement machine, Kyle Reimers. The 20-year-old provided sparkin Essendon’sforward fifty and, along with his bright orange boots, brought flair to Essendon’s game-plan in 2008 injust his second year of football.

Twenty-one-year-old, Angus Monfries, was the worthy recipient of the Striving for Excellence award which recognises the player who displays the best physical and mental preparation, commitment to the team and attitude to training.

The award also acknowledges the player for their willingness to contribute to the growth and development of the club.

Emerging young gun, Sam Lonergan, claimed the Most Improved award after his gallant efforts in the Essendon midfield this season. Lonergan played 19-games this season after injuries limited him tojust one game in his previous two-years of football.

Nathan Lovett-Murray was recognised for his ongoing commitment to helping the community and was awarded the Bill Hutchison award.

Lovett-Murray has played a pivotal role in Essendon’s Indigenous community initiatives as well as undertaking personal endeavors to help the Aboriginal community.