Collingwood ruck Darcy Cameron has been awarded his first E.W. Copeland Trophy at Crown Palladium this evening.
Cameron finished on 328 votes, ahead of last year’s winner Nick Daicos on 315 votes and defender Isaac Quaynor in third position with 303 votes.
The 30-year-old – who was the runner up last year - was recognised for his excellent 2025 season, where he played all 25 games and was dominant across the ground.
Cameron averaged 28 hit outs, 17.6 disposals and four clearances per game. He also finished fourth in the league for intercept marks, with his versatility and strength in defence an integral part of his game.
Claiming the Copeland Trophy caps off a special year for Cameron, who celebrated his 100th AFL game and signed a contract extension to remain in the black and white until at least the end of 2029.
His second award for the night, Cameron was also celebrated as the Best Clubman, taking home the Darren Millane Memorial Award.
Senior Coach Craig McRae congratulated Cameron on his season.
“Darcy has played a pivotal role in our side this year and it’s fantastic to see him get the recognition he deserves tonight,” McRae said.
“To take home the Copeland Trophy and the Darren Millane Award is a credit to Darcy and a huge testament to his character and influence on the program.
“Stepping into a leadership role ahead of the season, Darcy has not only set high standards for himself, but he is constantly supporting and mentoring his teammates to ensure everyone in our program is committed to growing and improving.
“Congratulations to Darcy on this achievement. He should be incredibly proud of his season and contribution to the Club.”
Finishing in second place, Nick Daicos claimed the RT Rush Trophy for his impressive season, which also saw him earn a third consecutive All-Australian blazer and finish runner-up in the Brownlow Medal count.
Averaging 30 disposals, 16.8 kicks and 6.2 tackles per game, and hitting the scoreboard a total of 17 times, Daicos was influential throughout the midfield.
Ahead of the season, the 22-year-old was elevated into the leadership group, taking on the role of Vice-Captain. In Darcy Moore’s absence on Anzac Day, Daicos captained the side and became the youngest person to lead Collingwood out in 57 years.
In third position, Quaynor was awarded the JJ Joyce Trophy for his consistent and reliable defence.
Quaynor was one of Collingwood’s best in the side’s Round 13 game against Melbourne when the 25-year-old collected 25 disposals and accrued a career-high 517 metres gained.
Rounding out the top five was Jamie Elliott on 298 votes in fourth place and first-year Pie Harry Perryman, who finished in fifth position on 292 votes.
Two other best and fairest awards were presented, including the Joseph Wren Trophy, which Harry DeMattia claimed for the VFL Best and Fairest, and the VWFL Robert Rose Trophy, awarded to Sam Maraldo.
In other awards presented throughout the night, Elliott was awarded the Gordon Coventry Award as the Club’s leading goal kicker. Elliott finished the year with a career-high 60 goals.
Fresh off an impressive finals campaign where he kicked eight goals across two games, Elliott also claimed the Bob Rose Award for the best player in the finals.
After setting a new Club record for most tackles in a season (176), midfielder Ned Long claimed the Gavin Brown Award for best defensive pressure.
21-year-old Ed Allan was presented with the Harry Collier Trophy for best young player, while Angus Seivers claimed the Jack Hellier Trophy for the VFL Best Clubman.
E.W. Copeland Voting System
The Senior Coach Craig McRae, together with senior assistant coach Hayden Skipworth, and assistant coaches, Matthew Boyd, Scott Selwood and Jordan Roughead, award the votes after each match, including all finals matches.
Each coach is asked to vote on every player. Each player can receive votes between 0-4 on their overall impact on the game. The maximum number of votes a player can receive per round is 20 votes.
In the event that two or more players finish with the same number of votes, this will result in a tie.
E.W. Copeland Trophy – Top 10
- Darcy Cameron – 328 votes (E.W. Copeland Medal)
- Nick Daicos – 315 votes (RT Rush Trophy)
- Isaac Quaynor – 303 votes (JJ Joyce Trophy)
- Jamie Elliott – 298 votes (JF McHale Trophy)
- Harry Perryman – 292 votes (Jack Regan Trophy)
- Josh Daicos – 288 votes
- Steele Sidebottom – 265 votes
- Scott Pendlebury – 253 votes
- Ned Long – 238 votes
- Jack Crisp – 228 votes
Other Award Winners
Bob Rose Award (Best Player in Finals) – Jamie Elliott
Darren Millane Memorial Award (Best Clubman) – Darcy Cameron
Gordon Coventry Award (Leading Goal Kicker) – Jamie Elliott
Gavin Brown Award (Best Defensive Pressure) – Ned Long
Harry Collier Trophy (Best Young Player) – Ed Allan
Joseph Wren Trophy (VFL Best and Fairest) – Harry DeMattia
Jack Hellier Trophy (VFL Best Clubman) – Angus Seivers
