The Sydney Swans 2017 Bob Skilton Awards ceremony was held tonight with vice-captain Luke Parker taking out his second Bob Skilton Medal, affirming his status as one of the clubs' great players. Lance Franklin and Jake Lloyd finished equal second just behind Luke Parker.
Congratulations Luke Parker for a superb season!
Club player life memberships
Life memberships are awarded to players that play in 150 or more clubs for the Swans. This year, Swans vice-captian Luke Parker played his 150th game for the Sydney Swans against Essendon in the Elimination Final. He was among the best on the field in a barnstorming performance.
Congratulations to Luke Parker, awarded club life membership.
Rising Star Award
This is awarded to the player adjudged to be the best first or second year player. It's little surprise that it was awarded to Lewis Melican, coming off the rookie list and owning his position.
The Paul Kelly Player's Player of the Season
This is awarded by the player's peers throughout the season, with voting similar to that of the Brownlow, where each player votes their peers 3-2-1 in each game.
Captain Josh Kennedy was voted the player's player of the year, and what a superb year it was. He was ultra consistent throughout the season, and finished amongst the top players in the Bob Skilton Medal, despite missing games.
The Dennis Carroll Most Improved Player of the Season
This is awarded to the player that is deemed to have shown the most improvement throughout the season. In a little bit of a surprise twist, George Hewett won the award over the more fancied Zak Jones.
Given the age and experience difference between the two, and George's second season in the AFL, he deserved the award. Well done George!
Paul Roos Player of the Finals
This is awarded when the club plays in 2 or more finals in the same season. While we predicted that Josh Kennedy and Zak Jones might share the spoils, there was always a chance that Heath Grundy might win it again, and that he did, sharing the spoils this time with former captain Kieren Jack.
Jack was solid in the sides' first win against the Bombers, backing it up with a fantastic first half against the Cats. Well done Heath Grundy and Kieren Jack!
Clubman of the year
In a surprise twist, even surprising the player himself, Callum Sinclair was adjudged the best clubman of the year. Favourites Alex Johnson and Jeremy Laidler were expected to contend, but Callum "Chief" Sinclair blew the competition away.
Two outstanding games against St Kilda and Essendon has cemented his place in Sydney folklore. Well done Callum!
Congratulations to all players involved in tonight's ceremony.
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