As the countdown continues to North Melbourne's night of nights, debate rages as to which player is most deserving of the top honour in 2013.

This year's Syd Barker Medal presents one of the most open fields in recent history.

Who will win? Have your say below.

How the votes work:
After each game the match committee, comprising the senior coach and three assistants, allocate votes to as many or as few players as appropriate. The maximum votes per game per player is five.

Five votes are awarded for an 'exceptional' performance, four for an 'outstanding' game, all the way down to one which is regarded 'good'.

NMFC.com.au looks at the players most likely to be in the running.

(in alphabetical order)

Ryan Bastinac
The midfielder was one of the club's most consistent performers, with just one game below 16 disposals for the year. He played every match and while he polled just the single Brownlow vote, his consistency should be rewarded with a different voting system.

By the numbers:  20 goals (5th at club), averaged 21.3 disposals (5th at club), 3.2 tackles (7th at club), 3.5 clearances (6th at club)


Ben Cunnington
One of the big improvers, Cunnington became a clearance king.  Hard at the ball and relentless, he's the type of player any coach would love to have in their side.

He missed two games in the middle of the season which will cost him votes.

By the numbers: Averaged 21 disposals (8th at club), 7.1 clearances (1st at club), 4.8 tackles (5th at club)


Sam Gibson
With just 35 games to his name, Gibson is inexperienced in an AFL sense, but his mature body has enabled him to have a huge impact.  He played every game this year and was ultra-consistent. His tireless running makes him a coach's favourite.

By the numbers: Averaged 21.6 disposals (4th a club), 16.8 uncontested possessions (2nd at club), 5.9 marks (5th at club)


Todd Goldstein
As North's number one ruckman, Goldstein had a huge task on his hands but battled strongly week in, week out.  He amassed 160 more-hit-outs than in 2012 and was more dangerous in front of goals.  Named in the All-Australian squad of 40, he was unlucky not to be in the final team.  One of the best ruckmen in the league, he's sure to feature prominently.

By the numbers: Averaged 37.4 hit-outs (1st at club), 2.5 clearances (6th at club), 94.8% time on ground (3rd at club)


Lachlan Hansen
After starting the year slowly, Hansen was arguably North's most important player in the second half of the year, stopping countless opposition attacks as a spare defender.  He's likely to fly home in the count.

By the numbers: Averaged 7.8 marks (1st at club), 1.6 contested marks (2nd at club), 16.7 disposals (15th at club)


Brent Harvey
In his 18th season, the little champion showed no signs of slowing down.  Despite missing the first six games, he still managed some dominant performances and was very rarely kept in check by the opposition. He'll be chasing the pack all night, but could well be in the mix at the end for an amazing sixth medal.

By the numbers: Averaged 24.1 disposals (1st at club), 1.2 goals (5th at club), 3.1 bounces (1st at club), 1.2 goal assists (1st at club), 5 inside 50s (1st at club)


Aaron Mullett
One of the surprise packets, Mullett finished fourth in the NAB Rising Star and was outstanding off half-back, particularly early in the year. His ability to defend and win his own ball will no doubt have caught the eye.

By the numbers: 11 goals (11th at club), averaged 3.6 rebound 50s (2nd at club), 18.8 disposals a game (11th at club), 12.4 uncontested possessions (7th at club)


Drew Petrie
The vice-captain continued his All-Australian form from last year as North's dominant tall forward.  Second only to Lindsay Thomas for goal-kicking, he had six hauls of four goals or more.  He polled 38 votes in the AFLCA's award and will hope to take home the top prize for the first time in a distinguished career.

By the numbers: 48 goals (2nd at club, 1.8 contested marks (1st at club).


Andrew Swallow
The captain missed the last five games and did battle injury at times throughout the year, which is what makes his season so impressive.  With 14 Brownlow Medal votes he was easily the leading Kangaroo and could win his fourth Syd Barker Medal in just five seasons.   Swallow's start to the season was magnificent, and he's the likely leader at the halfway point, but there'll be plenty of others storming home.

By the numbers: Averaged 23.8 disposals (2nd at club), 6.3 tackles (1st at club), 6.2 clearances (2nd at club)


Lindsay Thomas
Another player unlucky to miss All-Australian selection, Thomas was the dominant small-forward in the competition this year. He led the league's goal-kicking early and should poll well.

By the numbers: 53 goals (1st at club), 1.4 marks inside 50 (5th at club)


Scott Thompson
The All-Australian full-back had a season to remember. He stopped all of the league's best forwards and was equally damaging going the other way as an attacking defender. While backs traditionally don't get high votes in most awards, Thompson could be the first key-position player in 15-years to win.

By the numbers: Averaged 19.6 disposals (9th at club), 4.2 rebound 50?s (1st at club), 6.5 marks (3rd at club), 1.2 contested marks (4th at club)


Daniel Wells
With similar numbers to his 2011 Syd Barker winning year, Wells will be right in contention again. With just one game with less than 15 possessions, he was a consistent performer and needs to be within striking distance at the halfway mark. He finished the season brilliantly, with 17 goals in the last eight games.

By the numbers: 25 goals (4th at club), averaged 21.3 disposals (5th at club), 4.5 clearances (4th at club), 0.8 goal assists (3rd at club)


Jack Ziebell
Courageous, hard-at-it, relentless; Ziebell is the ultimate team man.  He was often the player to lift North when it was needed most and he is sure to get votes for that alone. The games he missed through suspension and injury could prove costly, but he'll be around the mark.

By the numbers: 20 goals (5th at club), averaged 21.1 disposals (7th at club), 11 contested possessions (3rd at club), 5.4 tackles (4th at club), 5.2 clearances (3rd at club)

Who will win? Have your say below.

Syd Barker Medal. Monday October 7 at Crown Palladium.
Click here to download booking form or call (03) 9320 2438 for more information.

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