GREATER Western Sydney defender Lachie Ash has claimed his first Kevin Sheedy Medal as the Giants’ club champion on Thursday night.
Ash (71 votes) edged out fellow defender Connor Idun (69 votes) and midfielder Clayton Oliver (67 votes), who had led for most of the count at Royal Randwick Racecourse.
The victory caps an outstanding individual season for the rebounding defender, who earned best on ground honours for Victoria in February’s AAMI AFL State of Origin match before receiving his maiden All-Australian blazer at last month's AFL Awards.
Featuring in all 23 games of a career-best campaign, Ash finished the year ranked elite for disposals, kicks, handballs, marks and metres gained, averaging 28.7 disposals, 19 kicks, 9.7 handballs, 7.2 marks and a massive 626 metres gained per game.
The 25-year-old’s impact stretched far beyond his raw numbers, with his speed, elite running power and line-breaking ability making him a cornerstone of the Giants’ system.
Alongside his podium finish in his debut season in orange and charcoal, marquee recruit Oliver claimed the Members’ Choice Award.
Young gun Harvey Thomas was rewarded for a stellar 2026 season, taking out both the Rising Star and Coaches’ Award after thriving as a versatile half-forward and winger.
Key forward Aaron Cadman claimed Mark of the Year for his soaring pack mark in round 24 against Adelaide, leaping from the side to take a brilliant speccy over several players. Meanwhile, departing unrestricted free agent Jake Stringer took out Goal of the Year and earned the Leading Goal Kicker award with 48 goals for the season.
Inspirational leader Stephen Coniglio earned his third club Community Award in recognition of his long-standing dedication to multicultural inclusion and local community engagement across Western Sydney. A pillar of the club, Coniglio continues to mentor younger, diverse teammates while working closely with local multicultural community leaders.
Midfielder Harvey Hooper was named VFL Player of the Year in his debut season with the club, while exciting draft prospect Ethan Matthews took home Academy Player of the Year.
2026 Kevin Sheedy Medal leaderboard
1. Lachie Ash - 71 votes
2. Connor Idun - 69
3. Clayton Oliver - 67
4. Toby Greene - 59
5. Finn Callaghan - 56
6. Â Lachie Whitfield - 55
7. Jake Stringer - 50
8. Harvey Thomas - 44
9. Harry Himmelberg - 33
10. Ryan Angwin - 32
AWARD WINNERS
Members' Choice Award
Clayton Oliver
Leading goalkicker
Jake Stringer
Rising Star Award
Harvey Thomas
Coaches Award
Harvey Thomas
Giants Community Award
Stephen Coniglio
VFL Player of the Year
Harvey HooperÂ
Academy Player of the Year
Ethan Matthews
