With the 2025 edition of the Charles Sutton Medal fast approaching, let’s look back at some former winners of the prestigious best and fairest award as the Club continues to celebrate the centenary of its entry to the VFL / AFL.
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Scott West
Winner: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005)
One of the most decorated Bulldogs, Scott West holds the Club record with seven Charles Sutton Medals. Beginning his AFL career in 1993, West claimed his first award in 1995, before owning the early 2000s, claiming four best and fairests in a six-year period. Known for his ball-winning ability and hardness in the contest, West would claim five All-Australian jackets and eventually be named in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Brad Johnson
Winner: 1999, 2002, 2006
The Club’s games record holder had a knack of claiming accolades, with three Charles Sutton Medals part of Brad Johnson’s remarkable legacy. 1999, 2002 and 2006 were seen as premier years for the small forward as he claimed three of his five All-Australian jackets in those seasons. In 2006, Johnson was also named captain of the All-Australian team and finished second in the Coleman Medal with 70 goals.
Gary Dempsey
Winner: 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
As far as memorable Bulldogs players go, Gary Dempsey is clearly right at the top of the list. A six-time Charles Sutton Medallist, Dempsey would dominate the award throughout the 1970s, re-imagining the ruck role and becoming a must-watch player for Footscray. The 1975 season proved to be his finest as he claimed a coveted Brownlow Medal alongside his Charles Sutton.
John Schultz
Winner: 1960, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966
Gentlemen John is one of the most admired players in Bulldogs history and his five Charles Sutton Medals are an indication of what an amazing football journey he had. Making his debut in 1958, Schultz would claim his first best and fairest in 1960, before claiming the accolade four more times during the 1960s. Amazingly, at 21, Schultz would capture the Brownlow Medal in 1960, underlining his talent from a young age in Footscray colours. Schultz became the ultimate team player across his career and would give back post playing days, often seen in the rooms of the Club right up until his passing a year ago.
Tickets remain available but are fast running out for this years’ premier event. Held at Crown Palladium on Wednesday the 1st of October, the gala ceremony provides the opportunity for the red, white and blue faithful to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individual players and to relive some the best moments of 2025.
Tickets are priced at $280 for members and $300 for non-members - CLICK HERE to purchase now.
