The clever defender won the Blues' top award for the first time, finishing atop the count at Crown Palladium with 179 votes, ahead of veteran Kade Simpson (169) and last year's champion, Patrick Cripps (168).

Docherty, 22, was also handed the Blues' coterie most improved award.

The former Brisbane Lion averaged 26 disposals, eight marks and five rebound 50s and was a key member of a back line that tightened under rookie coach, Brendon Bolton. His strong form reinforced why he was voted into the leadership group earlier in the year.

Bolton, having worked hard himself to unite the club after a tumultuous 2015, said Docherty's win was fitting reward for the hard work he had put in.

"Sam has been outstanding for us this season, and is a very deserving winner of the John Nicholls Medal," Bolton said.

"He is a really intelligent footballer and has learnt to become almost an extension of the coaching panel out on the field this year. He has a clear hunger and drive to continually develop with every game he plays.

"Sam also consistently sets a high level of leadership and professionalism at our club. At only 22 years of age, we are confident Sam will have a long and bright future at the Blues."

Bolton understands how important it is to have players who can dictate and organise on field, for this has been a strength of Hawthorn, where he was an assistant coach and had stars Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Shaun Burgoyne take charge when the moment required.

Docherty, who grew up a Blues' supporter, was traded from the Lions in exchange for pick 33 in 2013.

Either Simpson or Docherty had been tipped to claim the club's highest individual honour. Simpson, having been handed a one-year contract extension in recent days, won the Bill Lanyon inner Blues ruthless award, the Carltonians achievement award and the Spirit of Carlton award. He had averaged 27 disposals, seven marks and five rebound 50s.

Cripps enjoyed another fine season, averaging 27 disposals, including 17 contested, seven tackles and nine clearances. Highlighting how strong he is in the contest, Cripps, who has the build to play as a key forward, led the league in clearances and contested possessions per game.

Bryce Gibbs (149 votes), who regained his groove after an injury-marred 2015, finished in fourth spot, followed by fellow midfielder Ed Curnow (115), Matthew Wright and Sam Rowe (114) in equal sixth, Zach Tuohy (91), Matthew Kreuzer (83) and Sam Kerridge (82).

Jacob Weitering, the No.1 pick in last year's national draft, was named the best first-year player. It capped a good week for the emerging defender, who finished third in the Rising Star and signed a four-year contract extension.

Curnow, respected for his leadership, and who became a more attacking weapon on-field this year, was named best clubman.