FREMANTLE champion Matthew Pavlich has received the 2016 AFL Players’ Association Madden Medal.
The medal is given to the retiring player who best demonstrated on-field excellence, personal development and community spirit over the course of their playing career and is named after former AFLPA presidents Simon and Justin Madden.
“To be recognised by peers and the people that make up the Players’ Association is pretty significant,” Pavlich said.
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READ NOWWhile he did not lead the Dockers to a premiership, the 353-game veteran ended his storied career with six club best and fairest awards, six All-Australian jumpers and the club’s games record.
He also booted 700 goals, despite a career which saw him play in a range of roles across the board.
Off-field he studied a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration.
He has been an AFLPA representative since 2008, and led the AFL playing group as president for the past two years.
“My career on the field was very important but I tried to never be defined by results on the field,” Pavlich said.
“I wanted to be known for more than just being a footballer.
“I like to think that there are some deeper layers to me than just what I did on the field.”
Pavlich beat other nominees including North Melbourne’s Brent Harvey and Geelong’s Corey Enright and Jimmy Bartel to claim the award.
The medal is voted on by the AFL Players’ Association Board and past winners of the award.