Sydney Swans co-captain Luke Parker has been recognised for leading from the front in his young side’s win over cross-town rivals GWS, being awarded the Brett Kirk Medal.

Parker, who finished the match with 29 disposals and six tackles, won the medal with six votes, narrowly ahead of fellow co-captain Dane Rampe, who received five votes.

 The Brett Kirk Medal is presented to the player judged best on ground at every Sydney Derby.

 It’s named in honour of the former Sydney Swans captain whose decorated 241-game career exemplified courage and determination.

 After the match Parker told ABC Grandstand, the award is one both the Swans and the Giants hold in high regard.

 “The Sydney Derby is always a big match and a big game, and for a Sydney-based player like Brett to have the career that he did, well he was an incredible captain and is an incredible person,” Parker said.

 “We’re really fortunate to still have him around the club and it’s deserving that he has a medal named after him in the all-NSW game.”

 It’s Parker’s second Brett Kirk Medal – he also won the award in Sydney Derby IX in 2016.

The judges voted as follows:

Mitch Cleary, AFL Media

3 Luke Parker

2 Dane Rampe

1 Nick Blakey

Ben Horne, Daily Telegraph

3 Dane Rampe

2 Luke Parker

1 Jake Lloyd

 Vince Rugari, Sydney Morning Herald:

3 James Rowbottom

2 Nick Blakey

1 Luke Parker