World Footy News

Former Sydney Swans champion Michael O’Loughlin has been named the 2009 AFL Players’ Association Madden Medallist. O’Loughlin received the award in recognition of his on-field brilliance, outstanding off-field achievements, personal growth and community spirit shown throughout his 15 season career. Now in its third year, the AFLPA Madden Medal is named in honour of former AFLPA presidents and champion Essendon and Carlton players, brothers Simon and Justin Madden. The 2009 Madden Medal was presented to Michael O’Loughlin by the Madden brothers at a gala lunch event earlier today.

The AFLPA Executive committee faced a difficult task in choosing the winner, given the high calibre of AFL players retiring in 2009. O’Loughlin was selected as the 2009 Madden Medallist over retiring champions Matthew Richardson, Leo Barry, Matthew Lloyd, Tom Harley, David Wirrpanda, Adam Simpson, Jared Crouch and Joel Bowden. Four awards were presented on the day, with winners determined by the Executive Committee of the AFL Players’ Association who cast votes on a 3-2-1 basis for each award. The committee is made up of Joel Bowden, Brett Burton, Luke Power, Nick Maxwell, Tom Harley, Luke Ball, Adam Goodes, Ashley Hansen, Robert Murphy, Simon Madden and AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis. Please note, both Joel Bowden and Tom Harley, who were nominated for all categories, removed themselves from the voting process.

The top three vote’s breakdown for the four awards was as follows:
The Madden Medal – presented by AMP
Michael O’Loughlin 18 votes
Tom Harley 13 votes
Matthew Richardson 10 votes

After a stellar career on and off the field, Michael O’Loughlin is a deserving winner of the Madden Medal. Making his debut in 1995, the player dubbed ‘Magic’ went onto play 12 games in his first season, earning a Rising Star Award nomination. His freakish combination of speed, skill and strength made the true half-forward a very difficult match up for opponents throughout his 15 season career with the Swans. O’Loughlin’s highlights include the 1998 Sydney Best and Fairest and 1997 – 2000 All-Australian nominations. A Sydney premiership player (2005), Michael also holds the games record for the club.

The proud Narangga / Kaurna man is a leader amongst the AFL’s indigenous players, whose advocacy in the areas of health, children’s and indigenous reconciliation issues is respected by all. Now employed involved in a new role with the AIS Football program, Michael’s all round excellence was recognised in his nomination across all four Madden Medal categories - Madden Medal, Football Achievement, Personal Development and Community Spirit.

The GNC Live Well Football Achievement Award
Matthew Lloyd 21 votes
Matthew Richardson 12 votes
Michael O’Loughlin 9 votes
Retiring Essendon star Matthew Lloyd is one of the most decorated full forwards in AFL history, and a deserved winner of the 2009 GNC Live Well Football Achievement Award. Drafted to the Bombers as a 16 year old, Lloyd is the seventh highest goal kicker in VFL/AFL history, has won three Coleman Medals and both the Mark and Goal of the Year awards, and was an important part of Essendon’s 2000 premiership side. The champion forward has also been selected as All-Australian five times and has twice represented Australia in International rules series.

Steel Blue Community Spirit Award
Michael O’Loughlin 20 votes
David Wirrpanda 17 votes
Joel Bowden 11 votes
Michael O’Loughlin’s dedication to both the indigenous and wider communities through his various ambassadorial roles has earned him the 2009 Steel Blue Community Spirit Award. Michael’s engagement with community, particularly in the areas of indigenous literacy and numeracy, advocacy for Redkite and his tireless work with the Team Swans community program, mean Michael is a worthy winner of this special award.

Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award
Joel Bowden 21 votes
Leo Barry 19 votes
Max Hudghton 4 votes
Tom Harley 4 votes

Former Tiger Joel Bowden is the recipient of the Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award. A dedicated family man, Joel’s commitment to social causes including homelessness and community engagement mean he has left an impact which extends beyond the grounds of the MCG. Operating a successful business, Birdie Num Nums in North Carlton, as well as completing a Bachelor of Arts while playing AFL football with the Tigers leaves Bowden well placed to pursue his life after football.