Ben Cunnington is aiming to join an extremely rare club at Friday’s Syd Barker Medal.
If the midfielder wins, he’ll become only the 18th player in North Melbourne history to win multiple medals.
Multiple Syd Barker Medalists
Allen Aylett, Wayne Carey, Wally Carter, Barry Davis, David Dench, Laurie Dwyer, Les Foote, Ross Glendinning, Brent Harvey, Matthew Larkin, Mick Martyn, Brady Rawlings, Wayne Schwass, Anthony Stevens, Andrew Swallow, Noel Teasdale, Daniel Wells.
Following on from his 2014 triumph, Cunnington could also become only the 11th Roo to win two consecutive medals.
Back-to-back Syd Barker Medalists
- Andrew Swallow (2011-2012)
- Brent Harvey (2007-2008)
- Wayne Schwass (1994-1995)
- Wayne Carey (1992-1993)
- Matthew Larkin (1987-1988)
- Ross Glendinning (1982-1983)
- David Dench (1976-1977)
- Noel Teasdale (1963-1966)
- Allen Aylett (1958-1960)
- Les Foote (1949-1950)
Todd Goldstein is the raging favourite for the night and is in line to be the first ruckman in almost 40 years to win.
The previous man to do it was Gary Dempsey in 1979 in his first season at North.
Only three years later, Dempsey set the all-time record for most hit-outs in a season, a mark which stood until Goldstein broke it this season.
Goldstein was one vote away from winning in 2014, falling just short of Cunnington in a thrilling count.
Dempsey’s win also has a parallel to Shaun Higgins’s efforts in 2015.
Higgins was spectacular in his first year as a Roo, setting individual season highs in games played, disposals, goals, tackles, inside 50’s and clearances.
He could replicate Dempsey in winning for his first year after crossing from the Bulldogs.
Elsewhere, Brent Harvey is likely to again be in the running at the pointy end of the evening.
The veteran is line for his sixth Syd Barker, an incredible achievement and one that would appear unlikely to be challenged for a long while. At 37 years old, he would also become the oldest Roo ever to win the medal.
Date: Friday October 9, 2015
Time: 7pm
Where: Peninsula, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Price: $260 ($230 for members)
Tables of 12 are available for $2,500 by calling (03) 9320 2478.
Click here to download booking form
Click here to view terms & conditions
