Defender Lachie Ash has made it a season to remember, awarded the 2026 Kevin Sheedy Medal on Thursday night.
The 25-year-old has etched his name into the club’s history with a career-best season earning him a maiden club champion.
Ash finished Thursday night’s count on 71 votes, just two votes clear of fellow defender Connor Idun and midfield bull Clayton Oliver (67 votes), who led the count for most of the evening.
Following on from a strong 2025 campaign, the former top five draft pick continued his emergence this season with an eye-catching campaign.
Playing in all 23 of the club’s games, Ash finished the season ranked elite for disposals, kicks, handballs, marks and metres gained, averaging 28.7 disposals, 19 kicks, 9.7 handballs, 7.2 marks and 626 metres gained per game.
However, his impact this season went well beyond the stats he produced, with his speed, running power and ability to break lines making him one of the most important players in the GIANTS’ game plan.
The award has capped off a brilliant individual season for the star defender who was selected and named Best on Ground for Victoria in February’s State of Origin, as well as rewarded with his first All-Australian blazer last month at the AFL awards.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, congratulated Ash on taking out the club’s most prestigious honour.
“Lachie has had a fantastic season, and to see him recognised with the Kevin Sheedy Medal is a great reward for the consistency and impact he has had across the year,” McCartney said.
“He has established himself as one of the competition’s premier defenders, and this award is a reflection of the work he has put in to reach these levels of performance and influence.
“Lachie has really flourished under Adam Kingsley’s coaching and game plan, particularly in the way he has embraced his role within our team. He has developed into a player we can rely on week in and week out and has a real influence on the way we play.
“The Kevin Sheedy Medal, alongside his other achievements this year, is a testament to the calibre of player he has become and I congratulate him once again.”
Alongside a podium finish in his debut season in orange and charcoal, star recruit Clayton Oliver was awarded the Members’ Choice Award.
Young gun Harvey Thomas’ 2026 performance was acknowledged, with the emerging winger receiving both the Rising Star and Coaches Award.
Aaron Cadman was awarded Mark of the Year for his pack mark in round 24, while Jake Stringer took out Goal of the Year, as well as Leading Goal Kicker.
Former captain, Stephen Coniglio received his third club Community Award.
Harvey Hooper was awarded the VFL Player of the Year in his first season with the club, while exciting draft prospect Ethan Matthews was awarded the Academy Player of the Year.
The 2026 Kevin Sheedy Medal was held at Royal Randwick Racecourse, with players, coaches, staff and guests joining media personality Jim Wilson for the occasion.
2026 Kevin Sheedy Medal Top 10:
- Lachie Ash (71 votes)
2. Connor Idun (69)
3. Clayton Oliver (67)
4. Toby Greene (59)
5. Finn Callaghan (56)
6. Lachie Whitfield (55)
7. Jake Stringer (50)
8. Harvey Thomas (44)
9. Harry Himmelberg (33)
10. Ryan Angwin (32)
2026 Award Winners:
Coaches Award, presented by EFEX:
Harvey Thomas
Academy Player of the Year, presented by EB Research:
Ethan Matthews
VFL Player of the Year, presented by Mirvac:
Harvey Hooper
Members’ Choice Award, presented by Toyo Tires:
Clayton Oliver
Rising Star Award, presented by ENGIE:
Harvey Thomas
GIANTS Community Award, presented by AirTrunk:
Stephen Coniglio
Mark of the Year, presented by Lion:
Aaron Cadman – R24 v Crows
Goal of the Year, presented by Award Super:
Jake Stringer – R7 v Kangaroos
Leading Goal Kicker, presented by Harvey Norman:
Jake Stringer
