As the countdown to the Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner continues, NMFC.com.au is taking a closer look at who might take home the best and fairest award.

While Robbie Tarrant looms as a potential favourite after a huge year, there’s been plenty of Kangaroos putting their hands up throughout the season.

The race for the Syd Barker Medal is well and truly open.

Ben Cunnington

In his customary midfield role, Cunnington was one of the Roos’ most consistent players, averaging around 21 disposals a game.

The number 10 was North’s leading clearance and contested possession-getter, and third for tackles behind Jack Ziebell and Andrew Swallow.

From a coaches’ perspective, Cunnington continued to poll votes, even when the Roos’ form dropped off late in the season.

Cunnington saved his best matches for milestone games, with 26 disposals and seven clearances in Drew Petrie’s 300^th, and 26 touches and eight clearances in Round 19 for Brent Harvey’s record-breaking match.

Best game

Round 7 v St Kilda
26 disposals (14 contested), 7 clearances, 1 goal

By the numbers

Games: 22
Disposals: 470 (avg 21.4 a game)
Clearances: 125 (avg 5.7 a game)
Goals: 4
Coaches votes: 28 – 5^th at NMFC (polled in seven games)

Tickets to the 2016 Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner are now sold out.