On a famous day in the club’s history, the Shinboner of the Century stood fearlessly in front of Sydney full-forward Tony Lockett. It was an unenviable task, but one that earnt Archer a Norm Smith Medal and plaudits as one of the league’s toughest players, a reputation that continues until this day.
Almost two decades on, Archer is set to present the Medal at the MCG on Grand Final day.
Awarded to the player adjudged best afield by five media experts, the award was first introduced in 1979.
Shannon Grant is the only other Kangaroo to have won a Norm Smith Medal - a four-goal haul in the 1999 Grand Final against Carlton guiding his team to victory.
Former Footscray full-forward Simon Beasley will present the Coleman Medal to Sydney’s Lance Franklin, while Hawthorn premiership coach Alan Joyce will hand over the Jock McHale Medal to the winning coach.
