AFLPA announce Madden Medal nominees

Contenders for the inaugural Madden Medal

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SOME of the AFL's most respected and decorated former players are among the nominees for the AFL Players' Association’s inaugural Madden Medal.

The Madden Medal, aimed at acknowledging the achievements of departing players, is to be announced at Melbourne’s Federation Square on December 13.

Adelaide’s Mark Ricciuto, Carlton’s Anthony Koutoufides, Nathan Buckley from Collingwood, James Hird of Essendon, Kangaroos stalwart Glenn Archer, and Western Bulldogs duo Luke Darcy and Chris Grant are the nominees for the award.

A number of other awards will be presented at the event and include the GNC LiveWell Football Achievement Award, Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award and Community Spirit Award.

The Madden Medal is awarded for a player’s outstanding achievements on and off the footy field, displays of personal growth over their career, and community and charity endeavours.

The Community Spirit Award recognises those players who show leadership in tackling social issues, involvement with charities, participation in community initiatives and demonstrated support for disadvantaged people.

The Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award recognises those players who have gone above and beyond in developing themselves off the field.

The GNC LiveWell Football Excellence Award recognises the achievements of a player throughout his career and includes number of games played, premierships, awards and medals, style of play, professionalism, leadership, development of game, advocacy on behalf of players and legacy to the game.

Community Spirit Award nominees include Collingwood pair Paul Licuria and Nathan Buckley, Essendon’s Mark Bolton, Troy Cook from Fremantle and Shinboner Glenn Archer.

Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award nominees are David Teague (Carlton), James Clement, Paul Licuria (Collingwood), James Hird (Essendon), Shane Parker (Fremantle), Josh Mahoney, Darryl Wakelin (Port Adelaide), Darren Gaspar, Ray Hall (Richmond), Matthew Clarke, Andrew Thompson (St Kilda).

GNC LiveWell Football Excellence Award nominees include Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide), Chris Johnson, Chris Scott (Brisbane Lions), Matthew Lappin, Anthony Koutoufides, Lance Whitnall (Carlton), Nathan Buckley (Collingwood), Scott Camporeale, James Hird (Essendon), Shane Parker (Fremantle), Ben Dixon, Joel Smith, Richie Vandenberg (Hawthorn), Glenn Archer (Kangaroos), Byron Pickett (Melbourne), Aaron Hamill (St Kilda), Daniel Chick (West Coast), Brett Montgomery, Luke Darcy, Chris Grant (Western Bulldogs).

The AFLPA Madden Medal Awards are at Zinc, at Melbourne’s Federation Square on Thursday, December 13. They are broadcast live on SEN 1116.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. To purchase tickets, call (03) 8623 2800.