Essendon ruckman David Hille has capped a fine individual AFL season by winning the Bombers' best and fairest award.

Hille failed to crack the top 10 in last year's Crichton Medal count, but was a convincing first-time winner at Wednesday night's count at Crown Casino, attended by 1,200 people.

He polled 256 votes to beat captain Matthew Lloyd (216) and midfielders Brent Stanton (188) and Jobe Watson (178).

Hille was one of the more dominant rucks in the competition this year, and averaged 16 disposals, five marks, 18 hit outs and a goal in his 20 games, as well as displaying a great physical presence on the field.

The 27-year-old, who has now completed eight seasons for 144 games, was also rewarded for his consistency, as he polled in 14 games and won 26 votes from a possible 30 in games against West Coast and Carlton in rounds 12-13.

In other awards, defender Nathan Lovett-Murray took home the Bill Hutchison Award for community service, Kyle Reimers was named rising star, Henry Slattery won most courageous, Angus Monfries was recognised for striving for excellence and Sam Lonergan was named most improved.

Lloyd's 62 goals earned him an 11th leading goal-kicker award, but he remains without a win in the club's best and fairest.

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