PORT ADELAIDE Best and Fairest Darcy Byrne-Jones has described his shock at winning the John Cahill Medal at the club’s end of season awards night on Thursday.
Byrne-Jones finished 23 votes clear of midfielder Travis Boak and 30 ahead of captain Tom Jonas in third place to claim his first John Cahill Medal in front of about 500 people.
The 25-year-old’s season was as consistent as they come, polling votes in 18 of the club’s 19 games.
Speaking after receiving the medal from club legend John Cahill at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Byrne-Jones said his achievement had not sunken in.
“There’s a sense of pride in winning the award. It’s come as a real shock and probably hasn’t sunken in yet,” he said during his press conference.
“For the club to have such a good year as well is a real bonus and I just don’t really know what to say.
“The names that have won it before me, it’s a really nice honour roll to be included in.”
It has been a strong season for the hard running, tough half back who was also named in the All-Australian side for the first time.
But he said he would give it all up for a Premiership.
“For me personally, I don’t really think about personal awards and All-Australians and that kind of thing,” he said.
“My main priority throughout the year was for us to keep winning games and finish on top of the ladder. All the personal stuff comes along after that.
“Obviously, we made the Prelim, which was pleasing but we want to take it a couple of steps further.
“Richmond have been the benchmark for a few seasons now so we’re striving to achieve what they’ve achieved moving forward.”
Initially claimed at Pick 52 in the 2013 National Draft, Byrne-Jones told the audience he had not expected to be drafted and was honoured to have been claimed by a club so rich in history as Port Adelaide.
His consistency is such that he is one of the first picked each week by coach Ken Hinkley, so much so that he has missed just one game since making his debut in Round 3, 2016.
Hinkley described him as a “typical Port Adelaide player” and a masterstroke by recruiter Geoff Parker.
“He’s a tough, hard half back flanker and what a great story from pick 52, Parkes I know you’re in the room, what a great pick.
Byrne-Jones said he had not thought much about footy since the season as abruptly ended by the eventual Premiers in the Preliminary Final a fortnight ago but he planned to rest and reset before looking to come back fitter and stronger for 2021.
The backman joked he may consider a new hair style to enhance the mullet he has become known for.
