Carlton midfielder Marc Murphy has capped of his stellar season by taking out the coveted John Nicholls Medal ahead of Captain Chris Judd at the Crown Palladium tonight.

Murphy polled 678 votes, ahead of Judd who finished the night on 469 votes, followed by Bryce Gibbs who took out third place with 448 votes.

Taking out the prestigious medal is a fitting reward for the star midfielder, who had 639 disposals during the home and away season, the fourth highest in the AFL, and was recently named in the All Australian team and also took home the 2011 AFL Coaches' Association champion player of the year award.

Chosen as the No. 1 pick in the 2005 AFL National Draft, Murphy has been a top three place-getter in the John Nicholls Medal for four consecutive seasons, this being his first win after being runner-up in 2008 and 2009 and third last year. In his debut season with the Blues in 2006, Murphy received an AFL NAB Rising Star nomination and took home the AFLPA’s Best First Year Player Award.

Dual Brownlow Medalist (2004 & 2010) Chris Judd was named Runner-up after winning the award in his first three seasons with Carlton. He played a key role in Carlton’s most successful season in more than ten years and was acknowledged by his peers by taking out the AFL Players Association MVP as well as being named the Best Captain for 2011.

Third place-getter, Bryce Gibbs who finished fourth in the John Nicholls medal in 2010 and third in 2009, had one of his most consistent seasons. Playing in 23 games, Bryce was unlucky to miss the Blues Semi Final against West Coast after injuring his shoulder in the Club’s elimination final victory against Essendon. This was only the second game that Bryce has missed since his debut in 2007.

Carlton legend and winner of the Blues Best and Fairest Award for a record five times - John Nicholls, presented Marc Murphy with the medal that is named in his honour.

Under the Best & Fairest voting system, five members of the Carlton Match Committee independently submit their votes after each round. Each may give votes to a maximum of eight players. The maximum votes a player may receive is ten (maximum of 50 votes per game).

Other award winners announced prior to the counting of votes in the John Nicholls Medal were:

Best First Year Player - Nick Duigan
This is awarded to the player who has made the most significant contribution to his team in his AFL debut season.
This award was presented by Brett Ratten.

Best in Finals - Marc Murphy
This award recognises the player who made the most significant contribution during the team’s finals series.
This award was presented by Brett Ratten.
Best Clubman - Heath Scotland
This award recognises a player’s role within the club both on and off the field.
This award was presented by Brett Ratten.

Spirit of Carlton Encouragement Award - Mitch Robinson and Kade Simpson
This award was presented by 1987 Norm Smith Medallist, David Rhys Jones.

Women of Carlton, Player Ambassador of the Year Award - Chris Yarran
This award goes to the player who has a consistent record of excellence, who has been outstanding in his achievements both on and off the field and contributes in a significant way to the wider community.
This award was presented by Anne Ali from the Women of Carlton.

The Carltonians Achievement Award - Heath Scotland
This award is in recognition of an outstanding season for the Carlton Football Club.
This award was presented by Sean Goldrick, President of the Carltonians.

Blues Coterie “Fierce Award” - Mitch Robinson
Presented by Emma Zonta of the Blues Coterie.

The following two special recognition awards were also presented during the evening:
Ryan Houlihan
Retiring player, Ryan Houlihan will be acknowledged for his 201 games played with the Carlton Football Club over the past 11 years.
Andrew Walker
Recognised for his outstanding mark in Round 18 against Essendon and Carlton’s Mark of the Year, Andrew was presented with a framed photo of the mark

The Top Ten in the 2011 John Nicholls Medal:
1st    Marc Murphy    678
2nd    Chris Judd        469
3rd    Bryce Gibbs        448
4th    Heath Scotland    408
5th    Kade Simpson    376
6th    Andrew Walker    319
7th    Mitch Robinson    301
8th    Eddie Betts        285
9th    Michael Jamison    257
10th    Chris Yarran        237

The Top Ten in the 2010 John Nicholls Medal:
1st     Chris Judd        473
2nd     Jordan Russell        354
3rd     Marc Murphy        343
4th     Bryce Gibbs        322
5th    Andrew Carrazzo    310
6th    Kade Simpson        300
7th    Jeffery Garlett        279
8th    Heath Scotland    243
9th    Eddie Betts        217
10th    Aaron Joseph        197