SAM MITCHELL has capped off a career-best season by winning his third Hawthorn club best and fairest award.

In front of more than 1,200 guests at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on Saturday night, Mitchell polled 177 votes to win the Peter Crimmins Medal from defenders Josh Gibson (160 votes) and Grant Birchall (138).

Rounding out the top five were Coleman medalist Lance Franklin (135 votes) and skipper Luke Hodge (126).

Mitchell’s award follows a season in which he polled 30 Brownlow Medal votes - a Hawks record - and was named All Australian for the first time.

The midfielder collected club votes in 20 of 23 matches, including five best on ground performances.

The 28 year-old adds his medal to those he won in 2006 and 2009.

Runner-up Gibson, in his second year at Waverley Park, was one of only two players to play every game.

He led the Hawks’ injury-depleted backline following the losses of fellow key defenders Ben Stratton and Stephen Gilham.

The former Kangaroo was also adjudged the club’s most consistent and best player in the finals.

Other awards
Best first year player - Paul Puopolo
Best clubman - Jordan Lewis
Most improved - Liam Shiels
Most consistent - Josh Gibson
Best player in finals - Josh Gibson

Peter Crimmins Medal top ten
1. Sam Mitchell - 177
2. Josh Gibson - 160
3. Grant Birchall - 138
4. Lance Franklin - 135
5. Luke Hodge - 126
6. Jordan Lewis - 125
7. Liam Shiels - 105
8. Cyril Rioli - 103
9. Brad Sewell - 102
10. Shaun Burgoyne - 86