OTHER AWARD WINNERS

2021 AWARD WINNERS

PAUL KELLY PLAYER’S PLAYER BARRY ROUND BEST CLUBMAN AWARD

LUKE PARKER

Season 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.”

COLIN O’RIORDAN

An 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.” DENNIS CARROL AWARD, MOST IMPROVED

JUSTIN MCINERNEY

After 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.

2021 AWARD WINNERS

RISING STAR AWARD VFL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ERROL GULDEN

QBE Sydney Swans

Academy product Errol Gulden had a stellar first season, making his debut in Round 1 and didn’t look back. He impressed with his willingness to learn, work rate at training and in games and his composure under pressure. In his debut season he played 18 games, kicked 14 goals and had 17 goal assists. Alongside winning the club’s Rising Star award, Gulden picked up an AFL Rising Star Award nomination in Round 1 and finished fifth in the overall count.

“It’s great recognition for the year. I had a goal to reach 10 games and I surpassed that so I’m really proud of my first year.” Gulden said.

“I think part of the reason I was able to string some good footy together was because I took it one week at a time, as cliché as that sounds. I never got too ahead of myself, I stayed in the moment and focused on my role each week.”

LEWIS TAYLOR

In his third year at the club, Lewis Taylor was a standout performer for the Swans VFL side, averaging 30 disposals and a goal each game.

Taylor put together a consistent season and was also commended for his drive and encouragement of the younger players.

“The year has had it’s challenges, but we had good fun and worked hard so we have a lot to be proud of,” Taylor said.

“So many players impressed this year, and particularly given our fixture was all over the place it was great to see everyone turn up each week for each other. It will be great to return in 2022 and hopefully have a consistent season of footy, because I know we have a lot more to give and a lot more potential.” VFL SQUAD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ADAM GULDEN

Adam Gulden was the inaugural Captain of the VFL team and in every game he delivered consistency on the field while his passion to drive others around him was a standout amongst his team.

Gulden was a key contributor in connecting the VFL listed players with the AFL listed players.

2021 CLUB CHAMPION LEADERBOARD

# VOTES PLAYER

1543 Luke Parker

BOB SKILTON MEDAL

2504 Jake Lloyd

ADAM GOODES TROPHY

3502 Jordan Dawson

PETER BEDFORD TROPHY

4481 Tom Papley

5475 Callum Mills