2 0 2 1 AWA R D W I N N ER S
PAUL KELLY PLAYER’S PLAYER
BARRY ROUND BEST CLUBMAN AWARD
DENNIS CARROL AWARD, MOST IMPROVED
LUKE PARKER
COLIN O’RIORDAN
JUSTIN MCINERNEY
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eason 2021 saw cocaptain Luke Parker win his third Paul Kelly Player’s Player award. Parker is known for the high standards he sets and like the awards’ namesake is hard, ferocious and fierce competitor who leads by example for the rest of the playing group and on receving the award at the end of the season credited his teammates for making him the player he is today. “This is the reason you play, you run out for your mates, you play for them” Parker said. “You want to be someone that your teammates love playing with, so to be recognised as that player is a proud moment. I have loved leading this group through the highs and lows of the 2021 season. Every year I fall more and more in love with this group, and I am truly grateful to play the game I love alongside them.”
n exceptional person and teammate who is always caring of players and staff, Irishman Colin O’Riordan this year was awarded the Barry Round Best Clubman Award. Season 2021 saw him play in his first AFL final while also finishing runner-up in the VFL Player of the Year. Recognised for his efforts both on and off the field, O’Riordan says he simply enjoys just coming to the club each day. “I rock up every day and try to do my best and improve the club in every way I can, and do it with a smile on my face,” O’Riordan said. “It’s no secret how much I love the place, so to win this award means a lot to me. I just try to put my best foot forward, it’s a massive honour to be recognised for this from the coaches and players alike.”
32 S Y D N E Y S W A N S 2021 SEASON REVIEW
fter injury hampered his 2020 season, Justin McInerney played 21 of 23 games this season for a breakout year to be awarded the Dennis Carrol Award for Most Improved. After beginning the season on the wing, McInerney was shifted to the half back line where he added plenty of value to the defensive six. The 21-year old earned a second AFL Rising Star nomination this season and finished fourth overall in this award. His passion, excitement, contest work, ability to break the lines and run and carry ensures he has a bright future ahead. “I am pleased with my progress this year, particularly because I had a limited preseason. I’m looking forward to getting a full pre-season under my belt and hopefully taking my game to another level in 2022,” McInerney said.
