ESSENDON midfielder Jobe Watson has capped off his finest season yet by winning his first Crichton Medal at the club's best and fairest on Wednesday night.

Watson, 24, claimed the honours with 335 votes from Dustin Fletcher (289), Brent Stanton (284) and Patrick Ryder (223), at the function held in a packed Crown Palladium.

He played 22 games this year - missing just round 14 due to an ankle problem - and  averaged over 24 possessions a match.

His win comes after he placed fourth in last year's count, and runner-up in 2006.

It also narrows the gap between father and son as far as the Crichton Medal is concerned, given Tim Watson's career haul of four.

The young midfielder, who made his debut in round 13, 2003, has played 94 games for the club.

As a member of the club's five-man leadership group, he is in contention to take over the captaincy role vacated by the recently retired Matthew Lloyd. 

Lloyd was honoured at the awards night with the news the club's goal-kicking award, which he incidentally won for the 12th time for his 35 majors this year, would be named after him.

Best clubman gongs went to Fletcher (seniors) and David Myers (VFL), Ryder picked up both the cheer-squad award and the community prize (the Bill Hutchison Award), Tayte Pears won the Rising Star Award, Jason Winderlich the Striving for Excellence Award, and Ricky Dyson the most improved.

Retiring CEO Peter Jackson, who officially ended his association with the club on Wednesday, was honoured with life membership.

"My time at Essendon will give me memories that will last forever. It's been an honour and a privilege," the emotional Jackson said.

2009 Crichton medal voting:
 
1.      Jobe Watson - 335
2.      Dustin Fletcher - 289
3.      Brent Stanton - 284
4.      Patrick Ryder - 223
5.      Jason Winderlich - 220
6.      Tayte Pears - 204
7.      Ricky Dyson - 201
8.      Angus Monfries - 197
9.      Adam McPhee - 192
10.    Henry Slattery - 186