The 2005 Troy Luff Medal

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The 2005 Troy Luff Medal

• Awarded to the Sydney Swans Best and Most
  Consistent Playeras voted by the fans

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History of the Troy Luff Medal

• Redandwhiteonline.com has been a virtual meeting
  place for Sydney Swans supporters for the last
  few years.
• In 2002, the Troy Luff Medal began informally,
  with people nominating their top 3 or 5 players
  each week after the match. The idea grew more
  and more popular and it was decided to instigate
  the fans Best and Fairest award.
• Since then, our winners - Paul Williams in 2002,
  Adam Goodes in 2003, Barry Hall in 2004 and Brett
  Kirk in 2005 - have also been the Swans Best and
  Fairest winners, and have consistently polled
  well in media awards and the Brownlow Medal.
• The organisers decided to name the award the Troy
  Luff Medal in recognition of Troys service to
  the Club and his support for the
  redandwhiteonline.com website and because of his
  110 effort always when playing for the Swans.
• The award is for the best player throughout the
  year, as judged by those fans who participate in
  the redandwhiteonline community. Each week, fans
  awarded 3, 2, 1 votes. These votes are tallied
  and points allocated to the top 5 players each
  week.
• Voting is secret, with the voting being revealed
  on a round by round basis after the end of the
  home and away season.
• Charlie Goodman was the award coordinator of both
  this years award and the inaugural 2002 Troy
  Luff Medal. This includes the award countdown
  commentary, which is reproduced here.

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TLM Honour Board
2002 Paul Williams
2003 Adam Goodes
2004 Barry Hall
2005 Brett Kirk
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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 1
Round 2

• The Swans premiership (it's such a beautiful
  word, isn't it?) season began at the SCG on
  Easter Sunday, against Hawthorn, the team widely
  expected to be wooden spooners. The round one
  match saw the very impressive club debut of
  Darren Jolly, who kicked three goals in a
  dominant display. Nick Davis was the star
  forward, kicking four, and Paul Williams was the
  midfield star in an even display. Hawthorn showed
  us what was to come for season 2005 in a very
  disappointing start for coach Alistair Clarkson.
  The game was never in doubt as the Swans wandered
  along to a 63 point victory.The votes 5.
  Darren Jolly 4. Nick Davis 3. Paul Williams 2.
  Craig Bolton 1. Leo Barry

• The Swans were on top of the ladder when they
  travelled down the Hume to play the Kangaroos in
  Canberra in round two. Sadly, Sydney's
  performance didn't befit the league leaders, as
  they were overrun by the 'Roos in the last
  quarter. With the exception of Craig Bolton, who
  was brilliant in defence as he gathered a
  match-high 25 touches, the Swans had few winners.
  Inaccurate kicking (7.17) hurt as the Kangaroos,
  led by Shannon Grant (three goals) kicked 5.1 to
  three behinds in the last quarter to win by 23
  points.Votes 5. Craig Bolton 4. Luke
  Ablett 3. Amon Buchanan 2. Paul Williams 1.
  Jarrad McVeigh

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 3
Round 4

• In round three, Sydney ventured to the Gabba to
  take on the veteran kings of the AFL, Brisbane.
  Although they had lost the 2004 Grand Final, and
  were missing Simon Black and Jonathon Brown
  through suspension, the Lions were still regarded
  as a formidable force in early 2005. For the
  first three quarters, this appeared to be well
  placed respect, as Brisbane kicked away to a
  32-point lead. For the first time in 2005,
  however, we saw the team ethos and never-say-die
  self-belief that would lead the Swans to the
  flag. The Swans kicked seven goals to one in the
  final term, snatching the four points with a goal
  to Barry Hall after the siren. Hall kicked five,
  while Luke Ablett and Jude Bolton starred in the
  midfield.The votes 5. Luke Ablett 4. Barry
  Hall 3. Jude Bolton 2. Tadhg Kennelly 1. Craig
  Bolton

• The Swans returned to the SCG in round four to
  take on the Adelaide Crows, who were in form but
  not yet recognised as the force they became in
  2005. After the stirring round three win, Sydney
  were firm favourites to go 3-1, but it wasn't to
  be. The Swans led narrowly at half-time, and were
  only nine points behind at three quarter time.
  The last quarter, however, was the opposite to
  round three, as the free-flowing Crows surged to
  a 41-point win. Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk were
  among the few Swans to play at their best.Round
  four votes 5. Jude Bolton 4. Nick Davis 3.
  Brett Kirk 2. Adam Goodes 1. Craig
  BoltonCongratulations to all, particularly
  Craig Bolton who polls for the fourth consecutive
  week.

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 5
Round 6

• After suffering a home defeat in round four,
  Melbourne would repeat the dose at the SCG in
  round five. Playing the brand of football that
  would a week later lead Andrew Demetriou to make
  his infamous 'ugly football' comments, the Swans
  were indirect, inaccurate and ineffective. Again,
  the Swans relied on a few shining lights -
  particularly Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk in the
  midfield - to keep them in the contest. The
  midfield wasn't helped, however, by inaccurate
  kicking in front of goal the Swans had one more
  scoring shot than the Demons, yet lost by almost
  six goals.The votes 5. Jude Bolton 4. Brett
  Kirk 3. Darren Jolly 2. Ryan O'Keefe 2. David
  SpriggsWe have our first tie for the season,
  with Ryan O'Keefe and David Spriggs unable to be
  split. Congratulations to all, particularly
  Spriggs who polls his first Troy Luff Medal
  votes.

• It didn't get any better for the Swans in round
  six. Having slumped to 2-3 with consecutive home
  game losses, the Swans had to travel to Subiaco
  to play the unbeaten West Coast Eagles. They also
  had to do it without both the suspended Darren
  Jolly and injured Jason Ball. In wet weather, the
  Swans continued the 'ugly football' tactics, and
  once again were badly beaten, this time by 45
  points. Only Brett Kirk and Adam Goodes - thrown
  back into the ruck - flew the flag for the red
  and white.The votes 5. Brett Kirk 4. Adam
  Goodes 3. Jude Bolton 2. Craig Bolton 1. Ryan
  O'KeefeCongratulations to all vote-winners. I
  would also like to take this opportunity to
  recognise a player who didn't poll in this game,
  or any other that he played in 2005. The round
  six loss to West Coast was sadly the last game
  captain Stuart Maxfield played for the club.
  Although he wasn't on the field on Grand Final
  day, he was nevertheless as much a part of our
  premiership as any of the 22 who were. Thanks Stu
  for ten years of great memories, and for your
  legacy, on and off the field, that will hopefully
  extend far into the future.

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 7
Round 8

• In round seven, the Swans hosted Essendon for the
  first Stadium Australia game of our Premiership
  season. At 2-4 and having been branded as 'ugly'
  by none other than Andrew Demetriou, the Swans
  had a point to prove. Led by Barry Hall and
  Michael O'Loughlin in the forward, and the
  indomitable stand-in captain Brett Kirk, the
  Swans did exactly that. The match wasn't pretty,
  but was won with grit and determination. Sydney
  came from 16 points down at three quarter time to
  win by a goal.The votes 5. Brett Kirk 4.
  Barry Hall 3. Leo Barry 2. Adam Goodes 1. Amon
  BuchananCongratulations to all five players.

• After snapping their three game losing streak,
  the Swans looked to consolidate the recovery
  against Port Adelaide at the SCG. The reigning
  premiers had started the season in poor fashion,
  and were similarly desperate for a win. The
  Sydney defence stood tall, however, restricting
  Port to just six goals as the Swans won by 24
  points. The margin belied the gulf between the
  two teams. Tadhg Kennelly and Jude Bolton
  dominated through the middle of the ground, and
  Michael O'Loughlin kicked three goals.Round 8
  votes 5. Leo Barry 4. Jude Bolton 3. Tadhg
  Kennelly 2. Michael O'Loughlin 1. Darren
  Jolly 1. Adam Goodes

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsAfter Round 8
Leader Board

• Jude Bolton
• Brett Kirk
• 11 Craig Bolton
• 9 Luke Ablett
• Leo Barry
• Adam Goodes
• Darren Jolly
• 8 Nick Davis
• Barry Hall
• 5 Paul Williams
• Tadhg Kennelly
• 4 Amon Buchanan

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 9
Round 10

• The Swans played 'away' to the Western Bulldogs
  at the SCG in round nine, with a chance to win
  their third straight game and re-enter the top
  eight. It was the Bulldogs, however, who got the
  jump early, leading by 17 points at quarter time.
  Michael O'Loughlin put the Swans in control with
  four goals in the third quarter (he kicked five
  for the match), but the Dogs again closed to
  within one point in the last term. Enter Luke
  Vogels, playing only his third game, who kicked
  three last quarter goals to steady the ship for
  the Swans. Sydney won by 13 points.The
  votes 5. Michael O'Loughlin 4. Brett Kirk 3.
  Jude Bolton 2. Luke Vogels 1. Craig
  BoltonCongratulations to all, particularly Luke
  Vogels who polls votes for the first time.

• In round ten, the Swans finally played their
  first game in Melbourne for the year, against the
  inconsistent but star-studded Saints. A win would
  put the Swans at 6-4 and consolidate their spot
  in the top eight.
• Unfortunately, it was the 'ugly', indirect and
  ineffective Swans who arrived at Docklands. The
  Swans lacked a recognisable attacking structure,
  and had no answer for Fraser Gehrig, who
  celebrated his 200th game with seven goals.
• Nevertheless, Sydney were able to close to within
  seven points in the third term, before slumping
  to a 43-point loss. Adam Goodes, with 22 touches,
  was the standout Swan.Round ten votes 5. Adam
  Goodes 4. Jude Bolton 3. Craig Bolton 2. Brett
  Kirk 1. Barry Hall

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 11
Round 12

• The Swans were at the crossroads when they
  returned to Docklands to play wooden spoon
  favourites Carlton. There was, however, a nagging
  doubt what if they play the same style of
  football that failed so dismally against the
  Saints?
• Thankfully, despite falling behind in the last
  quarter, the Swans held off a determined
  challenge from the Blues to win by 25 points.
  Barry Hall (5 goals) and Jude Bolton (31 touches)
  were the standouts.The votes 5. Jude
  Bolton 4. Barry Hall 3. Craig Bolton 2. Luke
  Ablett 1. Adam GoodesCongratulations to all -
  particularly Jude Bolton who polls for the eighth
  time in nine matches. Jude struggled to regain
  his best form whilst battling injuries late in
  the year, but his brilliant first half of the
  year has put him firmly in contention for the
  TLM.

• The Swans returned to the SCG in round 12 to host
  the unpredictable but dangerous Fremantle
  Dockers. The Sydney attack was expected to be the
  difference, with the already injury-depleted Freo
  backline hit by the internal suspensions of
  Graham Polak and Steven Dodd.
• Indeed, the forward line quartet of Hall,
  O'Loughlin, Davis and O'Keefe smashed the
  inexperienced Dockers line-up, kicking 10 goals
  between them. Only inaccuracy (the same four also
  kicked 10 behinds) kept the 38 point victory from
  being much bigger.The votes 5. Craig
  Bolton 4. Paul Williams 3. Amon Buchanan 2.
  Barry Hall 1. Adam GoodesCongratulations to
  all five. Bolton's best on ground performance is
  particularly noteworthy. Craig's stats will never
  explain why he got five votes he had eight
  possessions, two marks and gave away three free
  kicks. Throughout the match, however, Bolton's
  courage and 'one percenters' were a fine example
  for his teammates.

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 13
Round 14

• The Swans hosted Collingwood at Homebush in the
  split round. While the Swans had won five of
  their last six and deserved to be favourites, the
  Pies had also won three of their past four,
  including beating ladder-leaders West Coast. The
  Pies started well, but inaccuracy hurt as the
  Swans took charge after quarter time. At the last
  break, Sydney were 17 points up, but Collingwood
  - led brilliantly by Nathan Buckley - rallied.
  The Pies closed to within a point, but their poor
  kicking - 10.16 - was the difference as the Swans
  held on. Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk and Paul
  Williams were amongst Sydney's best.The
  votes 5. Adam Goodes 4. Paul Williams 3.
  Brett Kirk 2. Leo Barry 1. Jared CrouchThe
  last gasp victory at Homebush put the Swans only
  a win outside second it was hard to believe
  that it was only a month since the St Kilda
  disaster.

• The Swans went to the MCG to play Richmond at
  8-5. The Tigers hadn't won since Nathan Brown
  broke his leg in round 10. Sydney were the form
  side, but the Tigers were simply far too good in
  the first three quarters. By late in the third
  term they were 45 points up, despite valiant
  efforts by Ryan O'Keefe and Nic Fosdike (playing
  his first game in nearly a year). The Swans made
  one of their now trademark last quarter charges,
  and almost snatched it, but fell one
  heartbreaking point short. The votes 5. Ryan
  O'Keefe 4. Nic Fosdike 3. Craig Bolton 2.
  Tadhg Kennelly 2. Leo Barry 2. Jared CrouchWe
  have a rare three player tie. Congratulations to
  all six players, but particularly Nic Fosdike,
  whose return to the side was excellent.

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 15
Round 16

• The Cats arrived in Sydney in round 15 a mere
  shadow of the team that had looked so strong
  early in the year. They were missing half of
  their best 22, while the Swans were missing only
  Adam Schneider and Paul Bevan from our
  Premiership side.
• Sydney showed no mercy to the young Cats,
  however, with stunning nine-goal second quarter
  that seemingly put the game beyond doubt. Apart
  from a brief rally in the third term, the Swans
  controlled the rest of the match to coast to a
  54-point win. Barry Hall and Ryan O'Keefe
  dominated with eight goals between them, and
  Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes and Amon Buchanan were
  busy in the middle.Round 15 votes 5. Amon
  Buchanan 4. Adam Goodes 3. Ryan O'Keefe 2.
  Barry Hall 1. Craig Bolton

• The next week, the Swans headed to Melbourne for
  the fourth time in seven rounds, to play the
  Demons at Docklands. Melbourne had started the
  season in brilliant form, but had slumped to
  three straight losses by round 16.
• There was more pain to come for Dees fans. Led by
  stand-in captain Adam Goodes and Barry Hall (who
  kicked seven goals), the Swans controlled most of
  the game. With only David Neitz (six goals)
  causing severe headaches for Paul Roos, the Swans
  set up a 26-point win with a six goal third
  quarter.The votes 5. Barry Hall 4. Craig
  Bolton 4. Adam Goodes 2. Amon Buchanan 1.
  Brett Kirk

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsAfter Round 16

• Jude Bolton
• Craig Bolton
• Adam Goodes
• Brett Kirk
• Barry Hall
• Amon Buchanan
• Leo Barry
• Paul Williams
• Luke Ablett
• Ryan O'Keefe
• Darren Jolly
• Nick Davis
• Michael O'Loughlin

Leader Board

• So, as we approach the end of the home and away
  season, Jude and Craig Bolton share top spot.
  With Brett Kirk and Adam Goodes not far behind,
  and Barry Hall closing fast, we look set for our
  closest Troy Luff Medal ever.

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 17
Round 18

• By the time the Swans hosted the Eagles, they had
  hit the top four and were starting to feature in
  Premiership speculation. The Eagles, however, had
  lost just one game and were regarded as
  near-certain Grand Finalists. The Swans had some
  initial difficulty controlling Dean Cox, who
  kicked four goals before half-time. After the
  main break, however, it was Sydney's game as the
  Swans kicked eight of the next nine goals. A
  couple of late West Coast goals closed the final
  margin to 21 points, but the Swans had secured
  their most important win of the season. Brett
  Kirk, Jude Bolton, Amon Buchanan and Paul
  Williams outclassed more than matched their
  celebrated opponents in the midfield.The
  votes 5. Brett Kirk 4. Jude Bolton 3. Amon
  Buchanan 2. Adam Schneider 2. Craig Bolton

• It didn't get any easier for Sydney, who went
  from hosting the ladder leaders to playing
  second-placed Adelaide away from home. Indeed,
  after a huge effort to beat the flag favourites,
  there was speculation that the Swans would lack
  the application necessary to back up against the
  Crows. The tight, desperate contest quickly
  showed that this wasn't the case, as Sydney went
  toe to toe with their opponents. Adam Goodes (33
  disposals) and Brett Kirk (27) were everywhere,
  with Goodes in particular keeping the Swans in
  the game seemingly by himself. Ultimately, it was
  poor kicking for goal that cost the Swans another
  upset victory in a tight, tough match the Swans
  lost by seven points.The votes 5. Adam
  Goodes 4. Brett Kirk 3. Craig Bolton 2. Lewis
  Roberts-Thomson 1. Amon Buchanan

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 19
Round 20

• Sydney travelled to Docklands Stadium for the
  last time in round 19, to take on the Bombers.
  The Swans hadn't beaten the Dons in Melbourne
  since 1989, but with Essendon already out of
  finals contention, the time was ripe to break the
  curse. In the first half, however, it looked as
  if the Bombers would inflict more pain, as
  Matthew Lloyd booted the first three goals of the
  match. He would kick only one more as the Swans
  gradually took control. With Barry Hall playing
  perhaps his best game of the season (seven goals
  and twelve marks), the Swans kicked five goals to
  two in the last term to win a hard-fought 20
  point victory.The votes 5. Barry Hall 4.
  Craig Bolton 3. Luke Ablett 2. Michael
  O'Loughlin 1. Adam Goodes

• The Swans hosted a depleted Brisbane side for the
  first day game at Homebush in round 20. The Lions
  quickly proved to be merely a shadow of their
  once invincible selves, however, and the Swans
  ruthlessly exploited their weakness. The Lions
  had no answer for the forward trio of Barry Hall,
  Michael O'Loughlin and Ryan O'Keefe, who kicked
  13 goals. The defence, meanwhile, restricted the
  usually potent Lions attack to just six goals,
  with Lewis Roberts-Thomson playing perhaps the
  best game of his career (18 touches, 12 marks).
• With winners all over the field, it was a round
  in which many deserving players missed Troy Luff
  Medal votes
• 5. Barry Hall 4. Ryan O'Keefe 3. Lewis
  Roberts-Thomson 2. Craig Bolton 1. Tadhg
  Kennelly

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Round 21
Round 22

• When the Swans hosted the Kangaroos for our final
  home game of the home and away season, a top four
  spot was on the line. By beating the 'Roos, the
  Swans could cement third place the next week. A
  win to the Roos, however, could see the Swans
  fall to fifth. Happily, the Swans put all
  thoughts of losing aside with a seven goal first
  quarter. By half time, the Swans were eight goals
  ahead, with Nick Davis the star with four goals.
  The Swans dropped to a lower gear in the second
  half, but the win was never in doubt. Aside from
  Davis, Barry Hall and Brett Kirk were amongst the
  best.The votes 5. Nick Davis 4. Brett
  Kirk 3. Luke Ablett 2. Tadhg Kennelly 1. Barry
  Hall 1. Lewis Roberts-Thomson

• The Swans travelled to Melbourne in round 22, to
  complete their home and away campaign against the
  Hawks. The Swans only had to win to secure third
  spot, and the Hawks - with a priority pick
  hanging in the balance - weren't expected to
  cause too many problems. More interest revolved
  around Barry Hall's Coleman Medal chances. Hall
  was five goals behind, but it was quickly
  apparent that he had no interest in winning the
  individual prize, choosing to set up team mates
  even when within range of goal. Hall finished
  with three, but had 19 touches and 13 marks. Nick
  Davis (four goals), Brett Kirk, Craig Bolton,
  Amon Buchanan and Ryan O'Keefe were also amongst
  the best.The votes 5. Barry Hall 4. Brett
  Kirk 3. Nick Davis 2. Ryan O'Keefe 1. Craig
  Bolton

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Qualifying Final

• The Swans travelled to Subiaco to take on the
  West Coast Eagles, with a week off and home
  preliminary final on the line. When the sides had
  last met, West Coast had lost one game, was five
  games clear and seemingly certain of finishing
  top. By the time the finals arrived, however,
  they had crashed to second and had lost four of
  the last six games of the season. The Swans were
  by no means out of contention.The first half
  saw the intense, physical struggle that is the
  hallmark of finals football. The Eagles went into
  half time with a negligible two point lead. The
  Swans were harassing the star-studded opposition
  midfield constantly, somehow having lifted to an
  ever greater intensity than that which got them
  to the finals. Tough, tight and unforgiving, the
  ten-goal first half wasn't a spectacle, but it
  was an engrossing contest.In the third quarter,
  however, the contest finally swung in favour of
  the Swans. In a low scoring match, the Swans' 3.1
  to three behinds was enough to secure a crucial
  14 point advantage at three quarter time. The
  Swans were set for a repeat of the famous victory
  over Port Adelaide in 2003, as long as nothing
  went drastically wrong in the last
  quarter.Well, we all know that it did. As the
  Eagles made a final charge and the Swans fought
  to hold on to their hard-earned lead, external
  factors came into play. A series of umpiring
  errors in the last few minutes - in particular a
  bizarre decision against Leo Barry that led to a
  Tyson Stenglein goal - gave the football world
  something to argue about for the next week.
  Unfortunately for the Swans, the four point
  margin in favour of West Coast was all that
  mattered. Well, that and revenge... but revenge
  could only come three weeks later.Brett Kirk
  was brilliant in the middle, and Nick Davis,
  Jared Crouch and Adam Goodes were creative. The
  votes 5. Brett Kirk 4. Nick Davis 3. Craig
  Bolton 2. Tadhg Kennelly 1. Jared Crouch

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Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Semi Final

• Stung but not broken by the cruel end to the
  qualifying final, the Swans returned to Sydney
  for their home final - and final home game -
  against the Cats. Geelong had started the season
  in fine form, and had briefly been flag
  favourites during the year. They had crashed to
  sixth with a poor second half of the season, but
  had smashed Melbourne in the first week of the
  finals. To overcome Geelong, it was crucial that
  the Swans put their frustration with the Subiaco
  result behind them.
• From early in the match, it looked bad for the
  Swans. In a tight, scrappy and (dare I say it)
  ugly first half, Sydney were once again indirect
  and inefficient. They could manage only two goals
  six for the half, both in the first term. The
  damage was only minimised by Geelong's own
  inaccuracy. The Cats had kicked 5.8 at the main
  break, but were clearly the better side. With
  Matthew Scarlett smothering Barry Hall and the
  Geelong midfield clearly on top, only Jared
  Crouch, Nick Davis and the Sydney ruckmen flew
  the flag for the Swans.
• After half time, the Swans loosened the shackles,
  as was necessary to get back into the game. The
  scoring opportunities began to flow as a result,
  but were repeatedly wasted. Only Michael
  O'Loughlin managed a goal as the Swans kicked 1.6
  - a dismal 3.12 at the last break. The Cats, 17
  points ahead and playing with confidence, seemed
  headed for a preliminary final berth. Sydney
  didn't have any answers, and were facing a
  straight sets exit from the Premiership race.
• Except, of course, for one man. From the debris
  of three terrible quarters of football came Nick
  Davis to save the Swans. After the Cats seemingly
  put the result beyond doubt by kicking the first
  goal of the final term, Davis single-handedly
  stole it back. His first goal gave us a glimmer
  of hope. His second a few minutes later kept that
  hope alive. But the minutes were ticking away.
  The job seemed too big for one man.Or perhaps
  Nick has a taste for the theatrical. With two
  minutes left, he gave us another glimmer with his
  third goal. Surely, we couldn't steal it. Yet
  surely we couldn't come so close and walk away
  empty handed. A ball up with seconds left gave us
  our last desperate chance, and Jason Ball got the
  perfect tap to a loose Swan. It was Nick. He was
  there, one more time, to give us our glimmer of
  hope. Here are the votes. Guess who got the
  five! 5. Nick Davis 4. Brett Kirk 3. Jared
  Crouch 2. Craig Bolton 1. Jason Ball

19
Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Preliminary Final

• After our miraculous victory over the Cats,
  Sydney's attention turned to the Saints and the
  preliminary final. The same can't be said,
  however, for the rest of the football world,
  which had already been focusing firmly on the
  glamour Victorian side since their qualifying
  final win over Adelaide. During the week, the
  Herald Sun had polled St Kilda's 1966 premiership
  players to see how many would attend the Grand
  Final. Sydney were a side-show, a minor hurdle on
  the way to St Kilda's date with destiny. Of
  course, this was of no concern to the Swans. As
  always when they are underdogs Sydney had a calm,
  quiet self-belief. It was easily visible from the
  first minutes of the final. Unlike the Geelong
  game, the Swans started well, playing with the
  free, confident style that has served them so
  well whenever they've chosen to use it. Sydney,
  with Ryan O'Keefe firing, took a two goal lead in
  to quarter time. Barry Hall had also started
  well, although a love-tap to Matt Maguire's
  mid-riff would prompt excited media
  speculation.In the next two quarters, St Kilda
  started to get on top of the Bloods, but could
  never gain a decisive edge. Poor kicking in the
  second quarter - 2.4 - didn't help their cause,
  however. Although there were ominous signs, the
  Swans were never out of the contest, and were
  once again making fools of the 'experts' who said
  they couldn't win. After two quarters in which
  the underdone Saints needed - and perhaps
  expected - to gain a break on Sydney, the
  side-show Swans were only seven points down.Two
  years ago against Brisbane, the Swans had been
  even closer to a Grand Final, and had fallen
  away. This time, they were determined not to let
  their chance slip. The Saints, for their part,
  were bruised in body and broken in spirit, and
  provided no opposition to the Sydney flood. Flood
  of goals, that is, as Adam Schneider kicked the
  first two of the quarter to put us front. The
  Swans had taken a Grand Final berth, and now they
  ran away with it, kicking another five goals to
  seal the victory by 31 points. Sydney's hopes of
  Premiership victory, barely a glimmer the week
  before, were now burning brightly. With
  impressive performances all over the ground,
  competition was fierce for Troy Luff Medal
  votes 5. Ryan O'Keefe 4. Craig Bolton 3.
  Barry Hall 2. Adam Schneider 1. Jared
  Crouch 1. Brett Kirk

20
Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Grand Final

• Grand Final week. It's an exciting time that
  always starts with the sheer joy of knowing your
  team will be there on that last day. After that
  initial euphoria, however, the long wait begins.
  The second preliminary final, Grand Final ticket
  sales, Barry Hall being charged for the love-tap
  on Maguire, the Brownlow, Barry Hall getting off
  at the tribunal, team selections, the Grand Final
  parade gave us our little milestones along the
  way. Each meant that we were that little bit
  closer to our chance at Premiership glory.After
  beating the Saints the week before, the media,
  bookmakers and much of the rest of the football
  world had thrown in their lot with the Swans. We
  were the sentimental favourites, the team that,
  in the view of many, had suffered enough. It was
  time for the longest drought in VFL/AFL history
  to end. The media explored the links between
  today's Sydney Swans and the South Melbourne
  Bloods of yesteryear. The bookies, once they knew
  that Barry Hall would play, installed us as
  slight favourites. None of that mattered,
  however, once the two teams were out on the MCG.
  The Swans started the game reasonably well in a
  close first quarter. The Swans made better use of
  their opportunities, kicking three straight to
  2.4, to take a two-point lead into quarter time.
  In the second quarter, the Swans got well and
  truly on top, adding 3.3 to three behinds to lead
  by 20 points. The Swans were on their way to a
  Premiership, with Lewis Roberts-Thomson playing
  the game of his life in defence, Adam Goodes
  threatening to break the game open and the
  unheralded trio of Nic Fosdike, Amon Buchanan and
  Jared Crouch playing well. But things started to
  go wrong after half-time. It was a tougher, more
  desperate West Coast line-up that returned from
  the rooms, and it quickly began to show on the
  score-board. By 3/4 time, the Swans once again
  led by only two points. The Eagles had the
  momentum. It was going to be an agonising last
  quarter.The agony was magnified many times when
  Luke Ablett kicked across the face of the
  opposition goal... and straight into the arms of
  Ben Cousins, who was unmarked in the goal square.
  As Swans teammates rushed to a devastated Ablett,
  Cousins kicked truly, and the Eagles were in
  front for the first time since the opening
  quarter. Adam Hunter then kicked West Coast's
  fifth straight goal. The Swans were 10 points
  down in the last quarter of a Grand Final.

21
Troy Luff Medal ResultsRound by Round
Grand Final

• We began to prepare ourselves for the
  unthinkable. The Swans team that had found ways
  to make the impossible happen all through the
  year was staring at Grand Final defeat. They
  couldn't find another miracle... could they? Of
  course they could! This was the Sydney Swans,
  2005 was their Premiership and with less than 20
  minutes to play, they set about taking it back
  from the Eagles.
• Barry Hall brought us back within a kick with a
  true 'Captain's goal' from outside 50m. It
  revived the spirits of the Swans, and for the
  rest of the quarter they were - albeit only
  slightly - the better side. However, the Swans
  have never offered us glory without drama. It
  could only be won the Swans way, with victory
  snatched from the jaws of defeat.
• The Swans wasted several chances to take the
  lead, with Michael O'Loughlin the main culprit.
  Finally, however, Amon Buchanan snapped a goal to
  put us back in front. It had come from the exact
  same set play that won the Geelong game two weeks
  before, with Jason Ball once again on hand with
  the perfect tap. The Swans had one hand on the
  cup, and now they had to hold on to it.In those
  last few minutes, it seemed that the Swans were
  determined to tell the story of 2005 all over
  again. There was missed shots on goal that could
  have given us that precious breathing space.
  There were turnovers, each of which seemed
  destined to break our hearts. Yet the defence
  held firm, with Leo Barry, Craig Bolton and Lewis
  Roberts-Thomson repelling any West Coast attack.
  The midfielders, led by Jude Bolton and Brett
  Kirk and inspired by perhaps the most important
  smother ever by Amon Buchanan, risked life and
  limb to hold on.As we have gotten used to with
  the Swans, they didn't do it easy. They could win
  the Premiership only with absolute dedication to
  the cause. As we have also gotten used to, it
  came down to the last moments. As we have long
  been used to, Leo Barry was there to save the
  day. Like Nick Davis two weeks earlier, Leo was
  there with something special. The siren went with
  the ball in his hands. Sydney had won the
  Premiership.Here's the votes. Remember that
  Craig Bolton needs two votes to tie with Brett
  Kirk, and three to win outright 5. Amon
  Buchanan 4. Lewis Roberts-Thomson 3. Nic
  Fosdike 2. Leo Barry 1. Craig Bolton

22
Troy Luff Medal Results
Final Tally

• 54 Brett Kirk
• 53 Craig Bolton
• 41 Barry Hall
• 36 Jude Bolton35 Adam Goodes25 Nick Davis23
  Amon Buchanan22 Ryan OKeefe17 Luke
  Ablett16 Leo Barry13 Paul Williams12 Tadhg
  Kennelly10 Lewis Roberts-Thomson9 Darren
  Jolly Michael O'Loughlin8 Jared Crouch7 Nic
  Fosdike4 Adam Schneider2 David Spriggs Luke
  Vogels1 Jarrad McVeigh
• Jason Ball

Congratulations Brett Kirk on winning the 2005
Troy Luff Medal! After twice finishing second,
this is a richly deserved recognition of Kirk's
efforts for the Swans. Let's not forget Craig
Bolton's performance - for an unheralded player
to poll in 21 of 26 matches, and fall just a
single vote short is a fine effort, and he would
have been a worthy winner. Congratulations to
Barry Hall, who has finished in the top four
every year. To Jude Bolton, whose early run was
cut short by injury. To Adam Goodes, who regained
the match winning brilliance that we remember
from 2003. Congratulations to Amon Buchanan, Luke
Ablett and Lewis Roberts-Thomson, whose
improvements during the year were crucial to our
Premiership. Congratulations to them all. Brett
Kirk was the stand-out, Craig Bolton was the
challenger, but they have all given us something
to remember in 2005. Thankyou, Bloods.
23
Congratulations Brett Kirk
Congratulations Kirky! Very well deserved win of
the TLM! You were robbed of an All-Australian
selection this year, but i hold the TLM much
higher as us Swans fans truely know how important
and great you are to this team. Also
congratulations to all other players who got
votes in our PREMIERSHIP year! Congratulations
Kirky!!! No one epitomises the spirit of the
mighty Bloods more than you so this recognition
is thoroughly deserved in our Premiership year.
Congrats Capt'n Kirk ... Great season, spirited
player, instrumental in a few matches and a
Premiership to go with the Club Best and Fairest
... and to top it off, the RWO TLM ... Bloody
well done to a real Bloods spirit. Go Kirk, Go
CBolton. He deserves a special mention.
Congratulations to 'Captain' Kirk for an awesome
and inspirational year during which he displayed
the true spirit of the Bloods. Well deserved.
Congratulations also to Craig Bolton for a great
year from the most underrated player in the AFL.
Congratulations Kirky. Sensational season capped
off by Premiership. Well done Kirky. You are a
champion in the true sense of the word. You are
the heart and sole of this great club. Thanks for
an outstanding year. Well done to B2 and
congratulations to Kirk. Congratulations Kirky,
true blood and guts play all year,i never thought
we could replace Paul Kelly,but i bet he was
proud of your efforts all year. congrats also to
c bolton for a wonderful display all year, so
pleased Brissy wouldn't give you a go. Quality
year once again Kirky. You are an absolute gun.
Well done Kirky! Don't worry, a Brownlow isn't
too far away. Congrats to Craig Bolton for
putting in a great year. Congrats to Kirky. As we
all know, he's such a worthy winner because he's
both brilliant and completely selfless-- he does
nothing for individual glory and everything for
the team. He's a different style of player to
Paul Kelly, but he's got a lot of Kelly in him.
CBolt was until very recently one of the unsung
heroes of the team. It's great to see that he's
now been sung (so to speak). Even though his role
in the side ain't the same as Captain's, he's
reminiscent of Kirk in the way that he keeps
putting his body on the line in ridiculously
dangerous circumstances, always does the team
thing, and never seems to make a damn mistake.
Congratulations Kirky on being voted the Swans'
best player of 2005 by the fans, a just reward
that will go nicely with those two other richly
deserved medallions, the Club Champion and of
course the Premiership! You led by example all
year, and I'll never forget the leadership and
courage you showed in the preliminary final to
come back from that head clash, helmet and all,
which no doubt inspired the team to post a
stirring win. Well done on a "phantasmagorical"
season! Congratulations Kirky. The selfless way
you play the game makes me proud to be a Swans
member. Well deserved. Well done to Craig Bolton
as well. A fantastic year. Congrats Kirky, you
would have taken the best mark in the grannie if
it hadn't been for that bloody Leo guy!
Congratulations Kirky...or is it Captain Kirk.
You have come such a long way from when you
played in some of the pre season games years ago.
You always showed that you had what it takes.
This year you have shown us that and what true on
field leadership is about. Keep up the great
work. But anyway, congrats to Bolts and of course
Brett "This is for the Bloods" Kirk!!!! Kirk for
captain! great win to a great player in a magical
year. He is symbolic of the whole team. Another
inspirational year from "Captain" Kirk. Thank you
for providing we supporters with 200 week in and
week out. Congratulations Brett Kirk on a
terrific season, deservedly capped off with Club
Champion and Troy Luff Medallist. As tough as a
tank and as reliable as a Rolls Royce, the true
embodiment of The Bloods. Kirky, you are the
heart and soul of our club and were a massive
part in getting our first premiership in 72
years.

• Troy Luff Medal Winner 2005

24
Congratulations Brett Kirk
Congratulations on winning the 'people's award'!
Kirky was a worthy winner...truely the man who
carried the bloods to the flag. Kirky was a
worthy winner...truly the man who carried the
bloods to the flag. kirk champ c bolton
champ rest of team champs rwo'ers champs
luffy champ Kirky - Fantasmagorical! Cheers
Kirkie for your courage and leadership throughout
the year. You are an inspiration to the team and
you epitomise what it means to work and strive
for glory as a Blood.You are the team man in a
true team. Congratulations on a great year! Go
the Swans! Congratulations Brett. It is so
inspirational to see a player originally rejected
by the club overcome his limitations and through
hard work alone rise above his peers. You are
essence of the Swans - average skills but a
wonderful work ethic. Best Tagger Ever. Well done
Brett. You have proved yourself yet again. I hope
you make Captain next year. Well done Kirky!!
Great player, great year, great hair!!! An all
round inspiration. Well Brett, here it is, the
pinnacle of your career, the Troy Luff Medal.
Disregard all the other accolades (except the GF
medal) and revel in the adulations of your true
fans. (Mind you I was gunning for Craig
Bolton...Joke). Thanks for the pleasure you have
given me when I have watched the games. It was
made all that more special from having talked to
you at some of the Melbourne functions (I was the
mad woman from Tassie who talked to you about the
Kokoda Track and have since used your thoughts in
lessons ). Cheers from a long time supporter.
Congratulations Kirky!. The Bloods have never had
a more enterprising captain to cling on to. Brett
- congratulations on being the deserved winner of
this award. For a superficial city, Sydney seems
to have an uncanny ability to attract and develop
Swans players who represent gritty, heart on the
sleeve, never-say-die types worthy of great
respect. Of course there was Kel and, following
him, Stewie. Now we have you. Of course, those of
us who watch the Swans every week recognise those
qualities in so many of our players - Craig B
(the runner up in this award), Leo, Amon, NOG, we
could simply go through the entire playing list.
But what makes this award so right in this
Premiership year is that the winner is you -
closely followed by Craig. While we admire your
skills, we respect the way that both of you give
your all on the field every week. It was
wonderful that we spent the second half of the
season knowing that, no matter how tough the
opposition, the Swans would never give up. That
spirit has given the club its first Premiership
in 72 years. Thanks for the conclusion to
September that we've dreamed of. Oh, and thanks
for the "This is for the Bloods" declaration. It
neatly brought past and present together at the
end of a great finals campaign. Congratulations
Brett on another great season. The rewards have
been many - a premiership medallion, a BF and
the TLM to show that the supporters appreciate
your contribution to the team. Your whole career
has been testimony to your courage, spirit,
teamwork and ability - you are everything that
"The Bloods" embodies. Well done and best of luck
in 2006. Well done Brett on winning the TLM, the
B F, and the premiership. You are one of the
primary reasons that I go to the footy and enjoy
it so much. Brett, Congratulations on 2005 -- a
solid season, a premiership, the Bobby Skilton
Best Fairest medal and finally, the Troy Luff
medal. The story of your career has fascinated
many, and these victories must be entirely
satisfying for you. You had an amazing season,
and I really admired the way you led the troops
during the season, both with and without the (c)
next to your name. The sheer courage you possess
is staggering you showed us why you have earnt
the tag 'toughest man alive'. I wish you further
success in 2006 and beyond, both on and off the
football field. PS Captain Kirk certainly has a
nice ring to it, doesn't it?

• Troy Luff Medal Winner 2005