Sydney Swans co-captain Luke Parker has won his third Bob Skilton Medal, crowned the Sydney Swans Club Champion for 2021.
Parker (543 votes) edged out 2020 Bob Skilton medallist Jake Lloyd (504 votes) who claimed the Adam Goodes Trophy for second place and Jordan Dawson, who was rewarded for his impressive season, finishing with 502 votes to win the Peter Bedford Trophy.
After winning the award in 2014, 2017 and now 2021, Parker now joins an illustrious group of club legends including Adam Goodes, Josh Kennedy and Gerard Healy, as a three-time winner of the award. (Full list below)
Parker played all 23 games of the season, averaging 28 disposals and on nine occasions collected more than 30 disposals, including 34 in the Elimination Final against GWS.
Parker said he was honoured to win the Bob Skilton medal for a third time and reflected on the incredible journey of the 2021 season.
"It’s bittersweet but I look back at the memories and the highlights from this year and I couldn’t be more grateful for those or grateful for the moments that the people at this club bring, it just makes football and life enjoyable,” Parker said.
"Some of the wins we have had have been incredible. Whether coming from behind or when unfortunately, some of the boys got put into quarantine and the way the group handled that situation, it just puts a smile on your face.
"We have made some special relationships this year and we will continue to build on that and there’s no doubt we will continue to grow.\
In his third season as co-Captain, Parker said he had relished working with the team’s emerging talent.
"I love seeing blokes grow, I look at Rowy (James Rowbottom), Chad, Errol and Braeden, knowing I was in that position and the growth and expertise that Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Jarrad McVeigh gave me when I was first at the club," Parker said.
"They helped me get to the level I am at now and I just want to help these young guys along the way and make them become the best player they can possibly be."
Other Awards given as part of the 2021 Club Champion event:
Paul Kelly Player's Player- Luke Parker
Luke Parker is known for the high standards he sets and like the awards’ namesake is a hard, ferocious and fierce competitor who leads by example for the rest of the playing group. In 2021, Parker won the Paul Kelly Players’ Player award for the third time.
Barry Round Best Clubman Award - Colin O'Riordan
An exceptional person and teammate who is always caring of players and staff, Irishman Colin O’Riordan wears his heart on his sleeve for the football club. He played in his first AFL final in 2021 and also finished runner-up in the VFL Player of the Year.
Dennis Carrol Award, Most Improved- Justin McInerney
After injury hampered his 2020 season, McInerney played 21 of 23 games this season for a breakout year. He started on the wing and was moved to the half back line where he added plenty to the defensive six. He earned a second AFL NAB Rising Star nomination this season and finished fourth overall in the AFL Rising Star. His passion, excitement, contest work, ability to break the lines and run and carry ensures he has a bright future ahead.
Rising Star Award- Errol Gulden
QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Errol Gulden made his debut in Round 1 and did not look back. He has impressed with his willingness to learn, work rate at training and in games and his composure under pressure. In his debut season he played 18 games and kicked 14 goals and also had 17 goal assists. He picked up a AFL NAB Rising Star Award nomination in Round 1 and ended up finishing fifth, just behind teammate Justin McInerney in the overall count.
VFL Player of the Year - Lewis Taylor
In his third year at the club, Lewis was a standout performer averaging 30 disposals and a goal each game. He put together a consistent season and was also commended for his drive and encouragement of the younger players.
VFL Squad Player of the Year - Adam Gulden
Adam was the inaugural Captain of the VFL team. He was consistent with his performances and his passion to drive others around him was a big standout. He was a key contributor in connecting the VFL listed players with the AFL listed players.
The finishing order for the 2021 Bob Skilton Medal was as follows:
- Luke Parker (543 points)
- Jake Lloyd (504 points)
- Jordan Dawson (502 points)
- Tom Papley (481points)
- Callum Mills (475 points)
- Tom Hickey (444 points)
- Isaac Heeney (437 points)
- Justin McInerney (383 points)
- Oliver Florent (358 points)
- Lance Franklin (351 points)
Note: Club Champion votes are awarded by Sydney Swans coaching staff. A player can be awarded a maximum of 50 votes per game, and coaches can allocate up to 10 points for as many or as few players as they deem appropriate, per match.
Sydney Swans Club Champion Winners (who have won the award three or more times)
9 Bob Skilton: 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968
5 Peter Bedford: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1975
5 Herbie Matthews: 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1943
4 Paul Kelly: 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997
3 Bill Williams: 1946, 1947, 1950
3 Ron Clegg: 1948, 1949, 1951
3 Gerard Healy: 1986, 1987, 1988
3 Adam Goodes 2003, 2006, 2011
3 Josh Kennedy: 2012, 2015, 2016
3 Luke Parker: 2014, 2017, 2021
