Jarrad McVeigh’s leadership and influence were recognised at last Friday’s Club Champion event, with the co-captain taking out the Barry Round Shield for Best Clubman.

The award, which has been won by Jude Bolton, Nick Smith and Rhyce Shaw over the last three seasons, is voted on by the match committee and recognises players who have had a positive impact on the playing group both on and off the field.

Speaking to SwansTV after taking out the award for the first time, McVeigh said he was proud to be held in such high esteem by his peers.

“You want to be a good person around the club and hold standards high,” McVeigh said.

“Whether you win or lose, you want to come in each day and really enjoy it and hopefully I do that.

“I’ve learnt from a lot of the great players at this football club, and hopefully I can continue to lead in the right way.”

McVeigh said past winners such as Shaw, who took out the award in 2011, and Bolton, who took home three Barry Round Shields, have been players he’s looked up to over the years.

The co-captain said both Shaw and Bolton had an exceptional ability to guide the club’s youngest players, which was an area he hoped to continue developing.

“Rhyce Shaw is the guy I learn off a lot, particularly in the way he mentors the younger guys and really helps them,” McVeigh said.

“That’s something I have got to get better at, so I look to him.

“Jude Bolton is one of the nicest guys I know, and he’ll do anything for you, so to learn off those guys and to be handed this award is something that I’ll treasure.”

The 2013 Bob Skilton Medallist, who took out a fifth place finish this season, said he also aimed to take his leadership to another level in 2015 following the club’s disappointing end to the season.

“You want the respect of your peers and every year you want to get better in that area,” he said.

“Hopefully I can improve again next year along with (fellow co-captain) Kieren (Jack) and the rest of the leadership; we can try and drive the boys to achieve something great.”