RELIABLE ruckman Sam Hayes has been awarded the A.R. McLean Medal as Port Adelaide’s best and fairest in the SANFL for 2021.

Hayes finished 24 votes clear of Joel Garner and 33 ahead of Jarrod Lienert in the count held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Thursday night.

Hayes was a picture of consistency, as the only player to poll votes in every game in 2021, to claim his first A.R. McLean Medal.

The 22-year-old paid tribute to his good friend Garner, who he was drafted with and is departing the club after not being offered a contract for 2022.

“I’ve been with Joel since the start since we were 10 and we played together so to have the last four years here together has been awesome, I can’t think of anyone better,” Hayes said.

“I want to thank all the boys for supporting and improving me, my coaches as well – Lokes (Matthew Lokan), Strong (Chad Cornes) and all the other coaches as well.

“Mum and Dad as well and my family. Obviously, they couldn’t be here tonight and I haven’t seen them much over the last couple of years because of COVID, which has been tough, but they’ve been really supportive.

“I’m looking forward to next year and seeing what the future holds as well.”

The Anthony Williams Memorial Trophy for the SANFL contracted player of the year went to Campbell Wildman in his first season at the club.

Long-time volunteer Bob O’Malley was awarded the Bob Clayton Memorial Award recognising him for his loyal service to the club’s operations and for demonstrating Bob Clayton’s qualities of being positive, honest, trustworthy, loyal and committed.

 A.R. McLean Medal TOP 10 Leaderboard

SANFL AWARD WINNERS

A.R. McLean Medal (best & fairest) 
Sam Hayes

A.R. McLean Medal runner-up
Joel Garner

Anthony Williams Memorial Trophy (SANFL contracted player of the year)
Campbell Wildman

Leading goalkicker
Dylan Williams (31 goals)

Bob Clayton Award
Bob O’Malley