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Jan 10
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O'Loughlin wins Madden Medal
2009 season retiring Sydney Swan Michael O’Loughlin has been named winner of the 2009 Madden Medal – presented by AMP.
O’Loughlin received the Madden Medal from Simon and Justin Madden at the gala Madden Medal award function at Atlantic in Melbourne’s Docklands.
O’Loughlin was recognised for his outstanding all round on and off-field excellence and follows in the footsteps of former Madden Medallists Glenn Archer and Robert Harvey.
In the third year of the awards existence, O’Loughlin received 18 votes, ahead of the universally respected Tom Harley on 13, with Matthew Richardson receiving 10 votes.
O’Loughlin was humbled to be honoured by his peers.
“Everything I have is from football.”
"If you think back on what football has given me, all the things I have been able to do, the places I have been....if not for footy, I'm not sure what would have happened."
"And now everything I have, and that I know, I am trying to pass on to the younger generation."
"I've lost count of the number of school visits I have done, to schools and communities. I am really hell bent on making a difference in terms of getting out there...and if I can find one or two guys and set them on the right path, that would be great," O'Loughlin said.
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.
In other Awards, champion Essendon full forward Matthew Lloyd received the
GNC LiveWell Football Achievement Award, ahead of former Tiger Matthew Richardson on 11 votes and 2009 Madden Medalist Michael O’Loughlin on nine votes. Lloyd’s collection of career achievements include – 5 time all Australian, 3 time Coleman medal, 11 time club leading goal kicker and premiership side.
The Open Universities Australia Personal Development Award was received by retiring Tiger and AFLPA President Joel Bowden, closely followed by high flying Sydney Swan Leo Barry on 19 votes with Max Hudghton and Tom Harley sharing 3rd place on four votes. Joel’s long term commitment to not only developing himself off the field, but his passion and commitment to ensuring other players do the same was recognised.
The Steel Blue Community Spirit Award was won by 2009 Madden Medallist Michael O’Loughlin who received 20 votes in recognition for his tremendous work in the community, and in particular his work with Indigenous communities and his positive impact in aboriginal health and education.
West Coast Eagle David Wirrpanda closely followed O’Loughlin with 17 votes and 2009 Personal Development Award winner Joel Bowden receiving 11 votes.
