Before the Syd Barker Medal is awarded to 2014’s club champion, some lucky players were recipients of prestigious club awards.

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Best First Year Player Award

Winner: Luke McDonald
McDonald’s win was the expected one, as he played all but two games in his debut year. Finishing third in the AFL Rising Star, the left-footer seamlessly slotted in to a side which made the preliminary final, often belying his youthful inexperience.

Blackwoods Fans’ MVP

Winner: Levi Greenwood
Throughout the year, fans were able to cast their vote after each game on NMFC.com.au for the best Kangaroo.

Greenwood took the award comfortably from Brent Harvey, winning by 338 votes to 285. Ben Cunnington rounded out the top three on 270.

Mazda Spirit Award

Winner: Luke McDonald
The first year player’s act of desperation in Round 11 against West Coast was recognised as the winner of the Mazda Spirit Awards for 2014.

McDonald threw his body in the way of 101 kilogram Josh Kennedy, succeeding in getting a spoil, but receiving a crunching hit in the process. Somehow the Roo made his way off the ground and proceeded to finish the game.

Jason McCartney Jumper Award

Winner: Levi Greenwood
There may be no other award on Syd Barker Medal night which accurately displays a player’s standing amongst his teammates.

Greenwood was nominated by the playing list as the player who most epitomises the values, strengths and courage displayed by Jason McCartney in his time working towards a memorable AFL comeback.

Peter Scanlon Community Award

Winner: Scott McMahon

Harold Henderson Best Clubman Award

Winner: Michael Firrito
The final award to be handed out before the Syd Barker Medal, Firrito won the best clubman for having an unselfish, team-first attitude and going beyond the call of duty – not just for his teammates but for the whole North Melbourne Football Club.