FORMER Sydney Swans captain Brett Kirk has continued to shine in retirement by winning the 2010 Madden medal for his contribution to the game, on and off the field.

The 34-year-old was honoured at an event hosted by the AFLPA at Docklands on Friday where he edged out six other recently retired players who have excelled in both areas.

Kirk polled 24 votes from the board of the AFLPA to beat Andrew McLeod (21) and Brad Johnson (10), and join Glenn Archer, Robert Harvey and Michael O'Loughlin as winners.

The rest of the field included Simon Goodwin, Brett Burton, Warren Tredrea and Ben Cousins.

Kirk said joining O'Loughlin as the second consecutive Swans player to win the coveted award was a testament to the club.

"It signifies the importance we place on culture," he said after accepting the medal from brothers Simon and Justin Madden.

"I can remember the first jumper presentation with Richard Colless, our chairman, who said 'You'll not only leave this place a better footballer but a better person'.

"Michael is a great poignant example. My brother from another mother, I love the guy and we're very good friends and I'm working with him now with the AIS team and it's something we try to instil in the young guys as they come in.

"It's not just about being a good footballer; it's about engaging with the community, having a life balance, education.

"At the end of the day, football is only a small part of your life and it's important we keep instilling that in the young kids coming in."

Kirk, who is now working for the AFL as the International Cup Ambassador and is preparing for a six-month overseas "footy pilgrimage" to spread word of the game, said he was proud to have been recognised from such a group of nominees.  

"It's not so much about the individual awards but it's more about the journey you go on and the growth and learning you have," he said.

"I'm just so proud of the person I've come out the other side of football as. I don't think when I first started I was this person and football has been able to give me these opportunities."

The award is given to a player who has achieved the most in "their football, the community and in developing themselves".

Kirk, who was nominated in all four award categories, also won the AMP Community Spirit award from McLeod and Burton.  
                                        
McLeod took out the GNC Football Achievement Award for sustained excellence at an elite level of sport with 30 votes, ahead of Jason Akermanis (12) and Johnson (9).
 
The Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award was won by former Geelong and Bulldog player Tim Callan, ahead of Burton.
 
Callan has completed a Masters of Applied Finance and is currently working as an equity analyst with investment firm Goldman Sachs JBWere.