Big-name Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has capped a strong debut season at the AFL club by winning their best and fairest award.

The 28-year-old was a massive signing for the Bombers late last year under the new free agency provision.

The star midfielder played all 22 games this season and polled 431 votes to win the Crichton Medal.

This is the first time Goddard, a two-time All-Australian at St Kilda, has won a club best and fairest award.

Goddard said he has had no second thoughts about the move, despite walking into a club that was soon in crisis.

Essendon were kicked out of the finals because of their supplements scandal and coach James Hird was suspended for 12 months among severe penalties from the AFL.

Goddard became emotional in his acceptance speech as he thanked his family.

He also said he did not join Essendon for personal honours.

“I don’t have any regrets about coming to this footy club,” Goddard said.

“I believe this team can achieve greatness.

“I believe this club can not only challenge for top four, we’ve got to start talking about premierships.”

Captain Jobe Watson, who has won the medal three times in the last four years, was second on 382.

Watson, last year’s Brownlow Medallist, missed three games late in the season with a broken collarbone.

But Goddard was already leading the club medal voting by the time Watson was sidelined.

Fellow onballer Dyson Heppell finished in the top three for a second-straight season, polling 336.

Heppell also won the best clubman award, now named after the late Bruce Heymanson – a former Essendon No.1 ticket holder.