Sydney Swans co-captain Callum Mills has capped off a tremendous season, winning his first Bob Skilton Medal as the Sydney Swans Club Champion for 2022.
It was a trio of youth who headed the votes with Mills finishing ahead of young guns Chad Warner and James Rowbottom, who finished second and third respectively.
Mills, a QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete, played in all 25 games this year, averaging 25 disposals and six tackles per game, and was also rewarded for his fantastic season with his first All Australian selection.
The 25-year-old said he was honoured to win the Skilton Medal for the first time.
“Ever since I came to this football club I have fallen in love with this place, to win this award is very humbling.” Mills said.
“I am super proud to be part of this club. The support the red and white army has shown us the last few years has been incredible.”
Chad Warner claimed the Adam Goodes Trophy for second place. Warner went to another level in 2022, averaging 23 disposals per game and earning selection in the All-Australian squad of 40. The 21-year-old, who signed a contract extension at the club during the year, went head-to-head with some of the game’s best midfielders throughout the year.
Meanwhile, James Rowbottom takes home the Peter Bedford Trophy after finishing third. In his 4th year at the club, the tough midfielder who prides himself on his defensive game, averaged 7 tackles per match and thrived in the emerging Sydney engine room.
Other award winners on the night include:
Paul Kelly Player's Player: Chad Warner
A popular member among the team, Warner’s performance in 2022 was outstanding, voted by his teammates as the Paul Kelly Player’s Player. He sets very high standards for himself and is emerging as a key part of the Swans young on-ball brigade.
Barry Round Best Clubman Award: Will Hayward
A selfless player who does everything with a team first attitude. Hayward kicked a career high 34 goals in 2022 but his defensive running and tackling were also highlights. The popular forward is becoming a very important cog in the Swans’ forward line.
Dennis Carrol Award, Most Improved: Chad Warner
Another award for the much-improved Warner who goes from strength to strength. In just his 3rd season at the Sydney Swans, Warner played 24 games in 2022 with his consistency and explosiveness in the contest key pillars of his game. He also managed almost a goal a game, adding some attacking flair to his impressive season.
Rising Star Award: Logan McDonald
Young key forward Logan McDonald takes out Sydney’s Rising Star Award after a breakout season in which he managed 17 games and 15 goals. McDonald earned an AFL Rising Star nomination after his dominant three goal and 16 disposal game against Melbourne in Round 12. The 20-year-old was the fourth pick overall in the 2020 NAB AFL National Draft and will strive for consistency in 2023.
VFL Player of the Year: Will Gould
In his third year at the club, Gould dominated in defence for the VFL side this season, playing in 20 games as a key pillar in the Swan’s back six. The strongly built defender is yet to make his AFL debut but will be pushing for a berth in the senior side in 2023.
VFL Squad Player of the Year: Harry Morrison
Harry was consistent with his performances in 2022 and the forward is developing into a quality player at VFL level.
The finishing order for the 2022 Bob Skilton Medal was as follows:
- Callum Mills (662 votes)
- Chad Warner (606 votes)
- James Rowbottom (544 votes)
- Luke Parker (530 votes)
- Isaac Heeney (529 votes)
- Tom McCartin (493 votes)
- Errol Gulden (492 votes)
- Jake Lloyd (489 votes)
- Dane Rampe (462 votes)
- Oliver Florent (447 votes)
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 votes for as many or as few players as they deem appropriate, per match.
