COMPLETE SYD BARKER MEDAL COVERAGE || Recap the live chat || Complete voting || Gibson best first year player || McMahon doubles up || McMahon wins community award || Adams wins McCartney jumper || Thompson wins Northerners award || Dwyer the Legend || Larkin a Hall of Famer || Archer a Hall of Famer || Ansett a Hall of Famer || Spencer a Hall of Famer || Glendinning a Hall of Famer
Five-time winner Brent Harvey finished third in Wednesday night's count on 45 votes, followed by co-vice-captain Drew Petrie on 44 and dashing half-back Shaun Atley, in just his second season, on 40.
Swallow previously won North's best and fairest in 2009 - when Thompson again finished second - and last year, in a tie with Daniel Wells.
Underlining his remarkable consistency over the past four seasons, Swallow finished one vote behind joint winners Harvey and Brady Rawlings in 2010.
Earlier in the night, held at the Crown Palladium, Laurie Dwyer - who played 201 games for North from 1957-70 and won the 1961 and 1967 best and fairest awards - was elevated to Legend status in North's Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Wayne Schimmelbusch, John Dugdale, Allen Aylett and David Dench.
Fellow playing greats Glenn Archer, Ross Glendinning, Matthew Larkin and Jock Spencer were also inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with former president Bob Ansett.
Swallow took over the North captaincy from Harvey in February and produced perhaps the best year of his seven-season career as he established himself as one of the AFL's elite midfielders.
He led the AFL in tackles (164) in 2012, won the sixth most clearances (150) in the home and away season and led the Roos in possessions (594 at an average of 26 a game) and contested possessions (296).
Click here to view Swallow's career stats
His consistency was reflected by the fact he had less than 20 disposals in just three games. He was also North's best player in its elimination final loss to West Coast, with 31 possessions (18 contested).
Thompson's runner-up finish equalled his best previous Syd Barker Medal placing, in 2009. This season, he again underlined his versatility, playing on opponents ranging from Collingwood power forward Travis Cloke to Carlton goalsneak Eddie Betts.
Despite missing two games through injury, Thompson finished second in the AFL for intercept marks and led North in rebound 50s and one-percenters.
Atley's fifth-place finish was also notable. Moved to half-back at the start of 2012, he gave North the explosive run it had previously lacked in defence and showed the confidence to take opponents on when games were on the line.
After playing 16 matches in his debut season, Atley did not miss a game in 2012 and finished second at the club in bounces, fourth in uncontested possessions and fifth in rebound 50s.
Top placegetters
1. Andrew Swallow 60 votes
2. Scott Thompson 49
3. Brent Harvey 45
4. Drew Petrie 44
5. Shaun Atley 40
6. Michael Firrito 39
7. Daniel Wells 38
