At the half way point of the season the competition is hotting up in the race for the 2009 Syd Barker Medal.

Today, kangaroos.com.au looks at the best performers so far in 2009, and rates their chances to take the coveted award on the 2nd of October.

Tell us who you think is leading and who will take home the award and you'll go into the running to a win a prize from the Roo Shop - winners will be chosen randomly from all entries received.


Josh Gibson - view profile

After a slow start to the season, Gibson has emerged as a vital part of the North Melbourne backline.

He has added more of an attacking role to his game by pushing up the ground, and has even been used through the midfield. Gibson notched up his 50th game in Round 7 and is having the best season of his career.

The number 38 ranks first at North Melbourne for one percenters and third for defensive rebounds, showing his consistency in the first 12 games.

How the numbers rack up: 182 possessions (avg: 15), 48 marks (avg: 4) 34 tackles (avg: 3), 69 one percenters (avg: 6), 37 rebound 50's



Leigh Harding - view profile

Harding had a sensational start to the season when given a new lease on life through the midfield after injuries to key players.

He ranks fifth at the club for getting the ball inside 50 and seventh for rebounds from 50 which shows his ability to work hard at both ends. He also leads North Melbourne for marks.

‘Turtle’ should definitely be in the votes after the opening two matches after 28 possessions against Melbourne, and 22 against the Bulldogs.

How the numbers rack up: 229 possessions (avg: 19), 77 marks (avg: 6), 38 tackles (avg: 3), 29 inside 50's, 26 rebound 50's



Hamish McIntosh - view profile

After his name was thrown around in trade talk at the end of last year, McIntosh has responded in the best possible way with a terrific start to the season.

Three goals in the opening round against Melbourne set the tone for his year and he sits fourth in the league for hit-outs.

McIntosh should be very close to the top in voting at this stage and can only be expected to blossom further in the second half of the season with support from Goldstein and Petrie.

How the numbers rack up: 205 possessions (avg: 17), 65 marks (avg: 5), 297 hit-outs (avg: 25), 25 inside 50's, 16 contested marks, 9 goals



Scott McMahon - view profile

2008 saw McMahon used predominantly as a forward, but with North's strong attacking options this year the 23 year-old has been played down back.

While yet to really dominate a game, he has become one of the Kangaroos' most consistent players in 2009, highlighted by his status as the team's fourth highest disposal winner for the season.

McMahon has been able to take quality players out of the game, while providing plenty of drive the other way, and his versatility means a push further up the ground could be an option in the latter part of the year.

How the numbers rack up: 213 possessions (avg: 18), 68 marks (avg: 6), 39 tackles (avg: 3), 44 rebound 50's



Drew Petrie - view profile

After a terrific 2008 in which he finished runner up in the Syd Barker Medal, North Melbourne has again relied heavily on Petrie as a player who can play in key positions all over the ground.

The vice-captain has spent more time up forward this year with the Kangaroos' defence looking solid, and is second at the club for marks and tackles and fourth for inside 50's.

Petrie also provides good relief for Hamish McIntosh in the ruck, and has become one of the team's most vital players over the past two seasons. Another good performance against Adelaide should have him near the top in the count so far.

How the numbers rack up: 181 possessions (avg: 15), 72 marks (avg: 6), 60 tackles (avg: 5), 30 inside 50's, 72 hit-outs (avg: 6), 11 goals



Brady Rawlings - view profile

Injuries have somewhat hampered Rawlings' chances of having the lead at this stage, but the 28 year-old continues to be a vital link in the North Melbourne midfield with his ball winning ability.

Rawlings is seventh at the club for possessions despite missing two games and had his best games against Hawthorn, Collingwood and Fremantle.

After winning two Syd Barker Medals already, Brady could be in with a chance for a third.

How the numbers rack up: 206 possessions (avg: 20.6), 37 marks (avg: 3.7), 45 tackles (avg: 45)



Adam Simpson - view profile

Some doubted whether Simpson would be able to maintain the high level set over his long career, but the former captain is having one of his best years in AFL.

He leads North Melbourne in disposals, is second in inside 50's, fourth in tackles and has only twice had under 20 possessions in a match.

Despite racking up his 300th game on the weekend, Simpson looks as though he could go on for another couple of years if his current form continues.

How the numbers rack up: 307 possessions (avg: 26), 60 marks (avg: 5), 53 tackles (avg: 4), 37 inside 50's, 17 rebound 50's



Andrew Swallow - view profile

An injury plagued 2008 could have hampered Swallow’s chances of getting back into the team, but an injury to Liam Anthony gave the 22 year-old a lifeline in Round 1.

He made his return and put in a 21 possession performance to set the tone for his season so far. Swallow is third at the club for disposals, and is the leading tackler.

The midfielder has added another string to his bow with eight important goals and looks to have secured his spot in the engine room.

How the numbers rack up: 223 possessions (avg: 19), 40 marks (avg: 3), 69 tackles (avg: 6), 19 inside 50's, 8 goals



Scott Thompson - view profile

After dominating at VFL level in 2008, Thompson needed to take his chance when picked for North Melbourne in Round 1.

He had 17 possessions in the opening round, and has not taken a step back since, excelling at full-back against taller, heavier opponents.

Thompson has played mainly deep in defence, but works hard to get the ball forward, highlighted by his 44 rebounds from the back 50.

The youngster will continue to be given the big jobs in the second half of the season, and must be polling strongly at this stage.

How the numbers rack up: 159 (avg: 13), 49 marks (avg: 4), 44 rebound 50's