Power in the running for Madden Medal

By Ashley Browne

Six recently retired AFL players are in the running for the Madden Medal, which will be announced by the AFL Players’ Association in Melbourne on Friday.

Brad Green (Melbourne), Luke Power (Greater Western Sydney), Matthew Scarlett (Geelong), David Wojcinski (Geelong), Chance Bateman (Hawthorn) and Cameron Bruce (Hawthorn) have been nominated for the award, which recognises the retiring player who has contributed the most to the game and the broader community.

Players’ association chief executive Matt Finnis said the award recognises the deeds of players on the field as well as the steps they have taken to develop themselves professionally and personally.

The three key criteria that are taken into consideration are football achievement, personal development and community spirit.

“When a player leaves the game it is important to recognise not only what he has achieved as a footballer, but also acknowledge what he has done to develop himself, both personally and professionally,” said Finnis.

“At the AFL Players’ Madden Medal we recognise the work retiring players have performed within the community, as well as applaud those who have combined football and education and excelled at both.

“These players have been exceptional leaders within their clubs and are great role models for young players entering the football industry,” he said.

The award, named after former Essendon ruckman Simon Madden and his brother Justin, was first awarded in 2007 and has been won by Glenn Archer (2007), Robert Harvey (2008), Michael O’Loughlin (2009), Brett Kirk (2010), and Cameron Ling (2011).

The winner will be decided by the executive of the AFL Players’ Association, although Power, who is a 2012 nominee, will stand aside during the voting process.