Sam Docherty claims Carlton best-and-fairest ahead of Kade Simpson, Patrick Cripps

BRENDON Bolton heaped praise of defender Sam Docherty on Friday night as he claimed his first John Nicholls Medal in a Blues best-and-fairest surprise.

Sam Docherty in action for Carlton. Picture: Colleen Petch

CARLTON defender Sam Docherty secured his first John Nicholls Medal on Friday night, with coach Brendon Bolton saying he was almost like having an assistant coach on the field.

The 22-year-old polled 179 votes holding off fellow defender Kade Simpson by 10 votes, with last year’s winner Patrick Cripps just a further vote behind.

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“Sam has been outstanding for us this season, and is a very deserving winner of the John Nicholls Medal,” Bolton said.

“He is a really intelligent footballer and has learnt to become almost an extension of the coaching panel out on the field this year. He has a clear hunger and drive to continually develop with every game he plays.

Sam Docherty wins Carlton’s best and fairest. Picture: Colleen Petch

Kade Simpson finished runner-up.

“Sam also consistently sets a high level of leadership and professionalism at our club. At only 22 years of age, we are confident Sam will have a long and bright future at the Blues.”

Docherty also won Carlton’s Most Improved Award, having played every game for the season, averaging a career-high 26 disposals. Fittingly, the former Brisbane Lions player, who joined the Blues at the end of 2013, grew up as a passionate Carlton supporter.

JOHN NICHOLLS MEDAL	VOTES
Sam Docherty	179
Kade Simpson	169
Patrick Cripps	168
Bryce Gibbs	149
Ed Curnow	115
Matthew Wright	114
Sam Rowe	114
Zach Tuohy	91
Matthew Kreuzer	83
Sam Kerridge	82

Simpson, 32, who recently committed to a new one-year deal for 2017, was not only runner-up, but he also won the Bill Lanyon Inner Blues Ruthless Award, the Carltonians Achievement Award and the Spirit of Carlton Award.

Cripps, 21, won the Hyundai MVP Award as voted by the fans.

Jacob Weitering won the club’s best first-year player, while Ed Curnow was recognised as the best clubman.

The No.1 draft pick excelled in his debut season and the club announced he had signed a four-year contract extension, which will see him stay at Ikon Park until at least 2021.

Jacob Weitering re-signs until the end of 2021.

Weitering said it was an exciting time to be a Blue.

“The Carlton Football Club gave me the chance to pursue my dream of playing AFL and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith they’ve shown me,” he said told the club website.

“It has been a thoroughly enjoyable first year of football and having that initial taste of senior footy just makes me more hungry to go out there and give it my all for my teammates and this club.

“It’s an exciting time for the Blues and I really believe in what we are building at the Club under Brendon Bolton, the broader coaching panel and my teammates. I am very thankful to the Club for this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, the club also announced youngster Clem Smith had been delisted.