PORT ADELAIDE will hold its annual Best & Fairest event this Friday evening at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Here is everything you need to know:
Who is it named after?
The Best and Fairest award is named the John Cahill Medal in honour of John Cahill – Port Adelaide’s first AFL coach and a man who coached and played in 14 SANFL premierships with the club between his debut in 1958 and the club’s step into the national competition in 1996.
John Cahill Medal Winners
Darren Mead was the first Port Adelaide player to have his name etched on the club’s AFL best and fairest award, claiming the inaugural John Cahill Medal in 1997.
Port Adelaide legends Kane Cornes and Warren Tredrea lay claim to the most best and fairest gongs, having been awarded four medals a piece throughout their illustrious careers.
Robbie Gray holds the most medals of all current Port Adelaide players with three, while Justin Westhoff is the reigning club champion after winning his first John Cahill Medal after the 2018 season.
There has been only one tie in John Cahill Medal history, with Travis Boak and Jackson Trengove sharing top honours in 2011.
What other awards are handed out?
The club also acknowledges its brightest young stars and player’s community work amongst other awards on the night – a full list of awards and previous winners can be found here.
SANFL awards are also handed out on the night including the A.R. McLean Medal.
This is given to the best performing Port Adelaide SANFL League player and is named in honour of Allan Robert Charles ‘Bob’ McLean OBE.
After retiring at the end of the 1949 season, McLean served as Port Adelaide’s secretary and general manager. He was a former ruckman with the club prior to his long service in administration.
How does the voting work?
For the John Cahill Medal, senior coach Ken Hinkley and senior assistant Michael Voss, as well as each player’s respective line coach, Nathan Bassett (forwards), Jarrad Schofield (midfield) and Brett Montgomery (defence), and General Manager – Football Chris Davies vote each players performance on a scale of 0-5. Therefore, a player can be awarded a maximum of 20 and minimum of zero votes for each match they play.
For the A.R. McLean Medal, all Port Adelaide SANFL coaches, including senior coach Matthew Lokan, development coaches Chad Cornes and Trent Hentschel, and SANFL manager Shane Grimm vote each players performance on a scale of 0-5. Therefore, a player can be awarded a maximum of 20 and minimum of zero votes for each match they play.
Can you still get tickets?
Unfortunately not. Ticket sales closed earlier this week.
What if I can’t get there?
The event will be live streamed. Download the Port Adelaide Official App and tune in from 7.30pm ACST to watch the live stream.
Alternatively, if you’d like to make a night of it, the Port Club will be hosting a live stream dinner.
Included for $55 per person is a 3 course meal. Must book on 8447 9902 or functions@pafc.com.au before Wednesday 2 October.
What time is everything happening?
7:30pm – Live stream commences
7.35pm – Chairman's address - David Koch
7.45pm – Bob Clayton Award presented
7.55pm – Entree break
8.30pm – Gavin Wanganeen and John McCarthy Awards presented
8.45pm – Main break
9.25pm – Williams Awards presented
9.30pm – Matthew Lokan interview
9:35pm – SANFL B&F Awards
9.45pm - Dessert break
10.20pm – Ken Hinkley interview
10.30pm – AFL B&F Awards
10.45pm – Proceedings conclude
* times approximate
