Jason Horne-Francis during round 21 between Port Adelaide and GWS at Adelaide Oval, August 1, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

JASON Horne-Francis has won his first John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide's best and fairest winner on Tuesday night.

Horne-Francis (88 votes) edged departing free agent and three-time winner Zak Butters (83) in a tight count at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

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Full-forward Mitch Georgiades capped off a strong season, finishing third with 69 votes, ahead of vice-captain Willem Drew (56) and rising midfielder Joe Richards (55).

The victory completes a terrific season for Horne-Francis, who averaged 23 disposals, including 10 contested, along with 5.8 clearances in his 21 games.

He was not only explosive in the middle of the ground, but the 23-year-old was dynamic in the forward half, kicking 27 goals, including three hauls of three.

In his final season at the club, Butters ran Horne-Francis right to the line despite playing just 17 games before being sidelined with a serious ankle injury.

Zak Butters leads his team out onto the field ahead of the match between Collingwood and Port Adelaide at the MCG in round 15, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

The three-time All-Australian averaged 30 disposals (12 contested), with six clearances in his final year under Josh Carr before heading to a club in his home state of Victoria.

Drew was awarded an incredible fourth consecutive Fos Williams Medal for best team man, as voted by his teammates. 

Young key forward Jack Whitlock claimed the Gavin Wanganeen Medal, awarded to the best player under 21, and intercepting defender Josh Lai was recognised with the coaches' award for the most improved player this season.

Jack Whitlock during round 24 between Essendon and Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, August 23, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

Rookie Benny Barrett won the John McCarthy Award for his work within the Power Community Ltd’s programs, particularly in the multicultural space.

John Cahill Medal leaderboard 

1. Jason Horne-Francis – 88 votes
2. Zak Butters – 83
3. Mitch Georgiades – 69
4. Willem Drew – 56  
5. Joe Richards – 55   
6. Jordon Sweet – 54
7. Jase Burgoyne – 51
8. Aliir Aliir – 46
=9. Darcy Byrne-Jones – 43
=9. Ollie Wines – 43

Award winners 

John Cahill Medal (best & fairest) 
Jason Horne-Francis

John Cahill Medal runner-up 
Zak Butters

Bruce Weber Memorial Award (third place best & fairest) 
Mitch Georgiades

Fos Williams Medal (best team man, voted by the players)  
Willem Drew

Leading goalkicker
Mitch Georgiades (51 goals)

Gavin Wanganeen Award (best player under 21)  
Jack Whitlock

Coaches’ Award (most improved)  
Josh Lai

John McCarthy Award (for community service)  
Benny Barrett