It’s been 15 years since a key-position player has taken home North’s most prestigious award, but this could be the year the drought is broken.
Wayne Carey was the last non-midfielder to win the Syd Barker Medal when he claimed his fourth in 1998. This year, Scott Thompson may be the man to break the streak.
While defenders aren’t traditionally big vote-getters in AFL awards, at club-land, the value of a full-back who can minimise his opponent is significant, highly rated and acknowledged.
Thompson is tipped to go close to All-Australian selection but will have a fight on his hands to claim his first club champion award after finishing second on two previous occasions.
Lindsay Thomas, the form small-forward in the competition in the first half of the season, booted 53 goals which was a career-high in a fantastic season.
Drew Petrie’s numbers are similar to last year when he was voted among the league’s best, while Daniel Wells’ finish to the season was outstanding.
The captain Andrew Swallow missed a big chunk of footy, but his fourth Syd Barker Medal in five years isn’t out of the question, and how can you ignore Brent Harvey? Despite missing the first six games through suspension, the little champion averaged 24 disposals and kicked 19 goals.
Jack Ziebell is another who could be in the mix, with his desperation sure to catch the eye of the voting panel, while Todd Goldstein was terrific all year as a one-out ruckman.
There could be some surprises near the top too.
Young gun Ryan Bastinac had his year best to date, Ben Cunnington’s clearance work put him amongst the elite and Lachie Hansen’s move to defence saw him in the best form of his career. The two Aaron’s, Black and Mullett, were big improvers and Sam Gibson was a running machine.
It promises to be an amazing night.
Will the highly-fancied Thompson claim top honours to replicate the feat of full-back Mick Martyn in 1991? Or will another star Roo etch his name into history?
Who will be the top three finishers? Have your say below and you could win a 2013 NMFC signed guernsey.
Tickets are selling fast to this year’s Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner, so don’t miss out.
Look back on the season that was with the players and coaches at Crown Palladium on October 7.
What: Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner
When: Monday October 7, 7.00pm
Where: Palladium Ballroom, Crown
Time: 7.00pm for 7.30pm
Dress: Cocktail
Ticket prices: Members $190pp, non-members $200pp
Click here to download booking form or call Hannah Way on (03) 9320 2438 for more information.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
