Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy has tonight claimed his third Bob Skilton Medal, in front of almost 1000 guests at The Star Event Centre in Pyrmont.
The Club Champion award caps off a remarkable season for Kennedy in which the 29-year-old played 25 games, including the Grand Final. Sydney’s No. 12 received his third All Australian Guernsey, won the inaugural Gary Ayres Award as the best player of the finals, and became a Life Member of the Swans after playing his 150th game in the red and white.
Kennedy polled a Club record 922 votes, ahead of Dan Hannebery (913 votes) and Heath Grundy (865 votes).
Kennedy’s outstanding season saw the midfielder lead the competition for contested possessions and clearances, and finish second overall for total disposals.
The result marked Kennedy’s seventh consecutive top three Club Champion finish and Swans coach John Longmire said it’s a fantastic achievement.
“We’re just really lucky to have him,” Longmire said.
“He’s a player whose consistency since he’s been at our club has been nothing short of remarkable.
“Josh never plays a bad game. His will and competitive spirit to be able to play well in the biggest games year in, year out is quite amazing – he’s just simply one of the best big-game players there is.”
The top 10 finishing order for the 2016 Club Champion award is as follows:
Josh Kennedy 922
Dan Hannebery 913
Heath Grundy 865
Luke Parker 834
Dane Rampe 833
Lance Franklin 827
Jake Lloyd 684
Tom Mitchell 672
Nick Smith 622
Kieren Jack 601
Note: Club Champion votes were awarded by the five coaches - John Longmire, Stuart Dew, Henry Playfair, Josh Francou and Brett Kirk. A player can be awarded a maximum of 50 votes per game, and coaches can allocate up to 10 points for as many or as few players as they deem appropriate, per match.
Other awards presented on the night:
Paul Roos Award for Best Player in the Finals – Josh Kennedy and Heath Grundy equal first
The Barry Round Best Clubman Award – Alex Johnson
The Dennis Carroll Trophy for the Most Improved – Aliir Aliir
The Rising Star Award – Callum Mills
The Paul Kelly Players' Player Award – Lance Franklin
Life Membership – Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith, Josh Kennedy, Lynn Ralph, Peter Ivany, Vanessa Muellner
2017 number 1 ticket holder – Pat McLindin
The Swans also officially farewelled stalwart Ted Richards at tonight’s Club Champion dinner with the popular defender given a standing ovation for the impact he had in red and white.
A fan-favourite, Richards finished his career with 261 games, All Australian honours and a premiership to his name.
While Richards entertained the crowd one last time during his retirement speech, he wasn’t the only Swan to announce that 2016 would be his final season.
Forward Ben McGlynn has decided to hang up the boots after seven fine season with the Swans.
The 31-year-old joined the Club from Hawthorn for the 2010 season and quickly became an integral member of the team.
The crafty small forward/midfielder played 127 games for the Swans (171 for his career) including two Grand Final appearances.
Swans coach John Longmire paid tribute to the two club stalwarts.
“Ted absolutely epitomises what it is to get the best out of yourself. He applied his mindset to be the best defender he could possibly be and he turned out to be an All Australian premiership player,” Longmire said.
“Ben is a hard-working pressure player who has demonstrated great leadership both on and off the field. Both men have made a wonderful contribution to our football club and will be missed by all.”
