Port Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis has been awarded his first John Cahill Medal, the honour given to the club’s best and fairest player at AFL level.
Port Adelaide’s AFL and SANFL best and fairest event was held on Tuesday night at the Adelaide Convention Centre, to celebrate the most important contributors from the season that was.
Horne-Francis accumulated 88 votes, just edging out Zak Butters in the count by five votes, who finished on 83.
Mitch Georgiades capped off a strong season, coming in third with 69 votes, as well as taking home the leading goal-kicker trophy for the third consecutive season (51 goals).
Vice-captain Willem Drew (56 votes) and rising midfielder Joe Richards (55 votes) completed the top five.
In 2026, Horne-Francis enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 23.3 disposals, 9.9 contested possessions and 5.8 clearances from his 21 games.
The midfielder has continued honing his forward craft, hitting the scoreboard with 27 majors.
He kicked multiple goals in nine games including three, three-goal hauls against Essendon, Carlton and West Coast.
The 23-year-old former number one draft pick has lived up to the hype, which is especially impressive given his limited pre-season with a foot injury.
“It was a tough start to the year and I'm thankful to Josh for easing me into the season, Round 1 and Round 2 were my pre-season (following injury).
“I loved the challenge of coming up against the best midfielders in the comp, or someone that wants to run around with you. The extra bit of leadership I've had to take on this year, I've loved it.
“I feel like I've found the balance where I can lead and keep some consistency in my game.
“As a playing group, we're all hungry and optimistic about where the group can go. Very hungry to have a good off-season and get back out there."
He also thanked his family and his partner Isabella for their support.
Willem Drew was awarded an incredible fourth consecutive Fos Williams Medal for best team man, as voted by his teammates.
His team-first approach is second-to-none, while his leadership traits have continued to grow, even captaining the side on several occasions late in the season.
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.
The John McCarthy Medal for work in the community went to Benny Barrett for his work within Power Community Ltd’s programs, particularly in the multicultural space.
Barrett has built meaningful connections with young people from all backgrounds through his participation in club programs, and he’s also volunteered with the Hutt St Centre, which engages South Australians experiencing homelessness.
Earlier in the evening, midfielder Will Lorenz was named the club’s SANFL Best and Fairest, taking home his first A.R. McLean Medal.
John Cahill Medal leader board
1. Jason Horne-Francis – 88
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
AFL 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
Life Membership
Willem Drew, Todd Marshall, Sam Powell-Pepper, Jamie Restas
