Adelaide Captain Jordan Dawson has capped an outstanding 2026 AFL campaign by further etching his name into Crows history, becoming the first player to win the Malcolm Blight Medal four times.
The 2026 triumph also made Dawson the first Crow to claim the Club’s highest individual honour in four consecutive seasons.
Dawson recorded 30-plus disposals in five games this season, with his best return coming in Round 22 against Richmond, in which he amassed 35 disposals, and took six marks.
The 29-year-old also starred in the Crows’ Round 14 game against the Western Bulldogs, finishing the game with 32 possessions, 17 contested possessions, seven clearances and three goals.
Defender Josh Worrell led the count after Round Six with 36 votes, closely followed by Wayne Milera and Lachlan McAndrew (36 votes apiece).
Here is every award winner from our 2026 Malcolm Blight Medal night.
Members’ MVP Award - Jordan Dawson
Jordan Dawson was not only recognised by the coaches for his outstanding season, but also by Adelaide's Members.
Dawson is a back-to-back winner of this award, having claimed it in 2025.
Members have voted on their MVP of the season every year since 1998 and it is the second time Dawson has won the award, having claimed it in 2022.
Dr. Brian Sando OAM Trophy - Jordan Dawson
Dawson was also recognised for his professionalism and preparation to play at the highest level.
The award was introduced in 2012 to honour the memory of long-serving Crows doctor and life member Brian Sando OAM.
Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award - Archie Ludowyke
First-year Crow Archie Ludowyke was awarded the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award.
Adelaide selected Ludowyke with Pick No.50 at the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft and the 18-year-old made his AFL debut in Round 21 against Essendon.
He then went on to feature in the Crows’ Round 22 game against Richmond.
Crows Foundation Community Award - Charlie Edwards
Utility Charlie Edwards took home the Crows Foundation Community Award.
Edwards was recognised for leading and coordinating the Club's hospital engagement program, delivering eight player-led hospital visits that supported 341 children and family members.
Through his initiative and ability to build strong connections, Edwards encouraged 15 teammates to get involved in community programs, leading to more than 30 player appearances and over 70 volunteer hours, many of them outside formal club and Foundation commitments.
In addition, Edwards supported Foundation community delivery, contributed to a Kokoda fundraising initiative that raised more than $20,000, and participated in an APY Lands cultural immersion experience to strengthen community and cultural engagement.
Leading Goal Kicker – Josh Rachele
Forward Josh Rachele was crowned the Crows’ leading goalkicker in 2026 for the first time.
The 23-year-old produced a career-high campaign this season, booting 42 goals.
Rachele kicked two hauls of four - in Round Five against Carlton, and in Round 14 against the Western Bulldogs.
He also finished with three against North Melbourne in Round 10, in the Crows’ Round 15 game against Melbourne.
Players Trademark - Jordan Dawson
Adelaide Skipper Jordan Dawson claimed the Players’ Trademark Award for a fourth consecutive year.
The Award is voted on by the players and coaches, and is presented to the person who best embodied the players' trademark throughout the season.
It is another accolade for Dawson, who also won a fourth Malcolm Blight Medal, as well as the Member’s MVP for a second-straight season.
Phil Walsh Best Team Man – Alex Neal-Bullen
Adelaide forward Alex Neal-Bullen was awarded the Phil Walsh Best Team Man for a second consecutive year.
The Best Team Man Award has been presented every year since the Club’s inaugural season.
It was renamed in 2015 in honour of the late Crows coach and recognises the Club’s most selfless player who lives and breathes ‘team-first’ - a staple mantra of Walsh.
SANFL Club Champion – Blake Drury
Blake Drury was named Adelaide’s 2026 SANFL Best and Fairest winner.
Drury (85 votes) edged out runner up Lachlan Sholl (82 votes), and third-placed Chayce Jones (66 votes).
The 22-year-old Adelaide development player was the Crows’ most consistent performer, lining up in all 18 games this season.
He averaged 18.7 disposals, at 79 per cent efficiency, and 4.7 marks.
Dean Bailey Award – Cam Taheny
Crows development player Cam Taheny claimed the 2026 Dean Bailey Award.
The award was created in honour of the late Dean Bailey, as a tribute to his passion for nurturing young footballers.
The Dean Bailey Award recognises the Club’s most impressive SANFL development player and is judged on performance, dedication to training and overall commitment to the team.
Taheny lined up in 16 games for the Crows’ SANFL side in 2026, averaging 12.3 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency, 4.1 marks and kicked 12 goals.
2026 Life Members recognised
The Adelaide Football Club also formally acknowledged its 2026 Life Members - Peter Caven, Wayne Milera and Steve Edgecomb at the Malcolm Blight Medal on Friday night.
For more information on the 2026 Life Members, click here.
2026 Adelaide Malcolm Blight Medal top 10:
- Jordan Dawson (158 votes)
- Lachlan McAndrew (135)
- Alex Neal-Bullen (132)
- Wayne Milera (128)
- Izak Rankine (124)
- Sam Berry (113)
- Josh Worrell (105)
- Ben Keays (99)
- Josh Rachele (97)
- Brayden Cook (96)
2026 Crows SANFL Best and Fairest top 10:
- Blake Drury (85 votes)
- Lachlan Sholl 82
- Chayce Jones (66)
- Reilly O’Brien 65
- Oscar Ryan (64)
- Billy Dowling (61)
- Finnbar Maley 58
- Charlie Edwards (57)
- Sid Draper (47)
- Cam Taheny (44)
Adelaide Football Club Malcolm Blight Medallists
1991 – Mark Mickan
1992 – Chris McDermott
1993 – Tony McGuinness
1994 – Shaun Rehn
1995 – Matthew Connell
1996 – Matthew Liptak
1997 – Andrew McLeod
1998 – Mark Ricciuto
1999 – Ben Hart
2000 – Simon Goodwin
2001 – Andrew McLeod
2002 – Ben Hart
2003 – Mark Ricciuto
2004 – Mark Ricciuto
2005 – Simon Goodwin
2006 – Simon Goodwin
2007 – Andrew McLeod
2008 – Nathan Bock
2009 – Bernie Vince
2010 – Richard Douglas
2011 – Scott Thompson
2012 – Scott Thompson
2013 – Rory Sloane
2014 – Daniel Talia
2015 – Patrick Dangerfield
2016 – Rory Sloane
2017 – Matt Crouch
2018 – Rory Laird
2019 - Brad Crouch
2020 - Reilly O'Brien
2021 - Rory Laird
2022 - Rory Laird
2023 - Jordan Dawson
2024 - Jordan Dawson, Ben Keays
2025 - Jordan Dawson
2026 - Jordan Dawson
