North Melbourne co-vice-captain Jy Simpkin has capped off a career-best season by winning his first Syd Barker Medal.
Finishing on 143 votes, a fast finish to the year saw Simpkin overcome veteran Ben Cunnington in second (117), while captain Jack Ziebell finished third (114), on a countback, from Aaron Hall in fourth.
Building on his second placed finish in 2020, Simpkin started his season in style, as he was elected to the leadership group for the first time.
>> CHECK OUT THE FINAL LEADERBOARD AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
He elevated his game, with the young midfielder’s quick thinking and contest breaking capacity one of the hallmarks of the Kangaroos’ strongest performances over the season.
The number 12 was electric in Round 9’s victory over Hawthorn, where he registered a career-high 38 disposals (23 contested) and 13 clearances, along with 9 tackles and 5 score involvements.
He improved his output in almost every major metric in 2021, averaging 26.9 disposals, 4.4 marks, 3.8 tackles and 5.1 clearances per game, all career-highs.
Cunnington returned from an injury-hit 2020 season to narrowly miss out on what would have been his third Syd Barker Medal.
He was, however, rewarded for his strong campaign with the fan-voted Mazda Excellence Award, recognising the player that best illustrates traits of class and elite performance.
Ranking second in the competition for contested possessions (15.6) and clearances (7.5) per game, he remains arguably one of the most under-appreciated superstars of the game.
Placing third, Jack Ziebell’s move to the back line saw him claim his second career podium finish.
The mid/forward turned playmaking defender, he averaged 25.2 disposals and 6.5 intercepts per game, finishing above Aaron Hall on the countback method.
Kayne Turner was awarded the Harold Henderson Best Clubman Award, with the defender epitomising the unselfish, team-first attitude that North Melbourne values so highly in its club culture.
After making his name as a pressure forward, Turner has become something of a utility player in midfield and defence for the Kangaroos across 2021, often blanketing the opposition’s most dangerous x-factor player.
Tom Powell’s exceptional first half of the season saw him win the club’s Best Young Player Award, as voted by the coaching staff.
He averaged 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles and 4 score involvements across the first 13 games of the season, and had a NAB Rising Star nomination in his sights before his season prematurely ended through injury.
Simpkin rounded out his night by winning the Glenn Archer Shinboner of the Year Award for exemplifying the values of what it means to be a Shinboner both on and off the field, as voted by his teammates.
Long-time staff member, the club’s GM of Finance & Administration, Chris Simmonds won the Peter Scanlon Community Award for his exceptional work as Secretariat of The Huddle.
2021 Syd Barker Medal top 10
1. Jy Simpkin - 143
2. Ben Cunnington - 117
3. Jack Ziebell - 114*
4. Aaron Hall - 114
5. Luke Davies-Uniacke - 109
6. Ben McKay - 106
7. Cam Zurhaar - 95*
8. Tarryn Thomas - 95
9. Kayne Turner - 92
10. Nick Larkey - 90
* Position decided on countback
Other awards
Mazda Excellence Award: Ben Cunnington
Harold Henderson Best Clubman Award: Kayne Turner
Peter Scanlon Community Award: Chris Simmonds
Glenn Archer Shinboner of the Year Award: Jy Simpkin
Best Young Player: Tom Powell
