The played judged best on ground in Sydney Derby XIX will be awarded with a medal named in honour of a born and bred NSW player who forged an incredible career at the top level.

Having picked up plenty of awards as a player the tables have turned in retirement for Swans premiership captain Brett Kirk, who now has the opportunity to award players who show the courage and determination he exemplified throughout his career.

The Brett Kirk Medal originated when GWS entered the AFL in 2012 and has been awarded at every Sydney Derby since, in honour of the former Swans captain.

Kirk feels a sense of pride in having his named acknowledged through a medal.

“I am really proud and it is a great honour,” Kirk said.

“To have a medal named after you is not something you go looking for when you are playing the game.

“Whether it’s me, my kids or my family being involved in the Sydney Derby, the medal will make it something that is pretty special.”

Kirk was born and raised in New South Wales playing his junior football for North Albury. The former Swans captain went on to have a decorated career spanning 241 matches including the 2005 premiership. 

Another former Sydney Swans captain, Kieren Jack, has won more Brett Kirk Medals than any other player – awarded the medal on three occasions – followed by Josh Kennedy, Lance Franklin and Callan Ward, who have all won two each. 

Kirk said the increased interest in the Sydney Derby has showcased the growth of football in New South Wales over the past two decades.

“It has been exponential the growth in footy in New South Wales,” he said.

“Especially in Sydney, when I first came in the late 90s there wasn’t a lot of kids playing AFL, and it wasn’t in schools at all really.

“Some 20 years later when I look at it with the explosion of footy being played in schools, and both clubs having Academies, it is great to see.

“Now my sons play, my daughters play – and it’s great for footy that the game is not only based in the “footy states”, as they used to be known.”