Awesome Dawson: Crows skipper wins record fourth Malcolm Blight Medal

Adelaide's inspirational captain Jordan Dawson has been recognised for another sensational season

JORDAN Dawson has created history as Adelaide's first four-time club champion, winning the Malcolm Blight Medal for the fourth year running after an outstanding 2026 season.

Dawson, who has won the prestigious medal every year since being appointed captain, polled 158 votes to win from breakout ruckman Lachlan McAndrew (135) and forward Alex Neal-Bullen.

All Australian defender Wayne Milera (128) and star midfielder Izak Rankine (124) rounded out the top five, with wingman Brayden Cook recognised for a much-improved season with a 10th placing.

Dawson has produced an incredible five seasons at Adelaide, finishing second in the club champion award in 2022 after crossing from Sydney before winning every year since.

The 29-year-old produced an incredible All-Australian season in 2026 amid the personal devastation of losing his brother Jaryd, with the AFL Players Association recognising him as the game's most courageous player and best captain.

The versatile midfielder played 22 games and led the Crows for disposals (26.5), while also rating elite across the AFL for tackles (5.7) and marks (5.2).

He produced one of the outstanding performances of the season against the Western Bulldogs in round 14, finishing the game with 32 possessions, 17 contested possessions, seven clearances and three goals.

Defender Josh Worrell made a fast start on Friday night and led the count after round six, with Milera then jumping ahead at round 12 with 67 votes, ahead of McAndrew (65). Dawson made his move between round 13 and 18 and could not be caught.

McAndrew's season was one of the stories of the year at Adelaide, assuming the No.1 ruck role and establishing himself under new rules for the game's big men, averaging 32.1 hitouts (No.4 in the AFL) and 8.3 taps to advantage (No.5).

In other awards, young key forward Archie Ludowyke was named the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent winner, while ex-Melbourne premiership forward Neal-Bullen was voted the Phil Walsh Best Team Man.

Dawson was also recognised with the players trademark award, members' MVP, and the Brian Sando OAM Trophy, recognising outstanding professionalism and preparation in memory of the Crows' inaugural club doctor.

Adelaide's club champion votes are calculated by coaches rating every player with a score from 1-10 after every game, including finals.

Coaches' votes for the Malcolm Blight Medal are influenced by a player's execution of their role and overall impact on the game’s result.

1. Jordan Dawson - 158 votes2. Lachlan McAndrew - 1353. Alex Neal-Bullen - 1324. Wayne Milera - 1285. Izak Rankine - 1246. Sam Berry - 1137. Josh Worrell - 1058. Ben Keays - 999. Josh Rachele - 9710. Brayden Cook - 96

Mark Bickley Emerging Talent: Archie LudowykePhil Walsh Best Team Man: Alex Neal-BullenPlayers Trademark Award: Jordan DawsonMembers' MVP: Jordan DawsonBrian Sando OAM Trophy: Jordan Dawson