Former Swans captain Brett Kirk has lauded the significance of a gong named in his honour ahead of Sydney’s clash with GWS at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The best on ground in Sydney Derby XV will be awarded the Brett Kirk Medal, an accolade that’s stood since GWS entered the AFL in 2012.
The gong is presented to the player judged best afield in every regular-season Sydney Derby match in tribute to the resilience of the 241-game Swans champion.
Kirk, who now works as a midfield coach alongside West Coast Eagles great Dean Cox, says resilience is at the core of the Club.
“Resilience is about having a never-give-up attitude and it’s something that’s been strong at our Club for a long time,” Kirk said.
“There have been a lot of times throughout our history where we could have gone under and there have been so many people, whether financially, on the field or off the field, who have been able to really dig in to get us where we are today. Resilience is something that’s strong in our foundations and will continue to be driven by the leaders of our footy Club.
“As a whole it’s what our leaders do and it’s what they’re trying to instil in the younger guys who come through. Early on when players walk in through the doors it’s known pretty quickly what we stand for. To survive in an AFL club you need to have courage and resilience and there’s no doubt our leaders drive it hard.”
The esteemed list of Brett Kirk Medal winners is dominated by those who have long carried the torch at the Swans.
Skipper Josh Kennedy, whose captaincy earned Kirk’s praise ahead of his 200th Swans game earlier this season, took out the inaugural medal.
Kennedy has claimed two in total, while former Sydney co-captain Kieren Jack has collected a record three.
Former Swan Nick Malceski took out the honour in Sydney Derby IV, while Sydney stars Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Lance Franklin and Callum Mills have also medalled.
Swans coach John Longmire said his current 22 were set for a huge test in Sydney Derby XV.
“We know we play a really good team this week,” Longmire said.
“We’ve been watching the Giants closely, as they do with us, and you see a really good team that’s got better the longer the year’s gone. We understand they’re a formidable unit and we come out here on their home deck on the weekend and we look forward to a challenge against a high-quality team.”
List of Brett Kirk Medal winners:
2012: Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack
2013: Kieren Jack, Nick Malceski
2014: Callan ward, Kieren Jack
2015: Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy
2016: Luke Parker, Heath Shaw
2017: Shane Mumford, Lance Franklin/Callan Ward (joint winners)
2018: Callum Mills
