Key forward Sam Reid and defender Nick Smith have been acknowledged for their outstanding 2011 seasons, each picking up an award during the early stages of the Sydney Swans Club Champion Dinner.

Reid took out the Rising Star Award for his consistent season at centre half-forward, while Smith was recognised as the Swans most improved player for the year.

Swans co-captain Adam Goodes received the Paul Kelly Players’ Player Award for the third year in a row, and was also acknowledged for bringing up his 300th game during the season.

Click here to watch the conclusion of the Bob Skilton Medal vote count.

Rising Star Award - Sam Reid (right)

Sam Reid played 23 of the Swans’ 24 games in 2011 - including both finals - following on from his debut in round 22 last year. The boy from Bright in Victoria’s Alpine region made centre half-forward his own in 2011, with strong pack marking and agility around the ground two key features of his game. The 19-year old also received an AFL Rising Star nomination for his performance in the Swans win over Richmond in round 12.

Dennis Carroll Trophy for Most Improved Player - Nick Smith

Nick Smith built on his 16-game 2010 season, by playing all except one of the Swans games in 2011. The 23-year old was a key cog in a consistent back six for the Swans, usually taking the opposition’s most dangerous small forward. In a season where many of the league’s livewire forwards were at their peak, Smith can lay claim to having taken the scalps of St Kilda’s Stephen Milne (in round 22 and the elimination final), Carlton’s Eddie Betts (in round 13) and Geelong’s Steve Johnson (in round 23).

Paul Kelly Players’ Player Award - Adam Goodes

For the fourth time in six years - and third year in succession - Swans co-captain Adam Goodes takes out the award which is based on the weekly votes of his senior team-mates. Goodes played all 24 games in 2011, bringing up his 300th career game in the semi final loss to Hawthorn at the MCG. He played in a variety of roles throughout the season, switching seamlessly between the midfield and the forward line as the team needed. He averaged 21 disposals, six marks and just under two goals per game to finish as the Swans’ leading goalkicker for the season with 41 goals.

John Yates Award for significant contribution to the promotion and development of the Sydney Swans and AFL in NSW -  Mick Clift

Mick Clift played 205 senior games with St George in the Sydney Football League (SFL) from 1982 to 1997. Clift was a decorated player and twice finished as the SFL leading goalkicker, and five times the St George leading goalkicker. Clift is a life member of St George AFC and has been employed in various roles at AFL NSW-ACT since the mid-1990s, including as a Regional Manager and coach.

Life Membership -

Jarrad McVeigh

Jarrad brought up his 150th game for the Club against the West Coast Eagles in round 3. Jarrad grew up playing football in New South Wales for Pennant Hills and NSW/ACT Rams before being drafted to the Swans with the number 5 draft pick in the 2002 AFL Draft. Jarrad and wife Clementine are currently on a well deserved break in Europe. Accepting life membership on his behalf, fellow co-captain Adam Goodes said Jarrad just wanted to play one game for the Club let alone 150. He also wanted to pass on Jarrad and Clementine's thanks to everyone for the support, messages and flowers during such a tragic time.

John Payne

1997-1998 - Reserves Team Manager
1999-present - Seniors Team Manager
In 15 years continuous service, John has not missed a match including practice matches and pre-season games.
Has completed over 300 consecutive matches as Seniors Team Manager.

2012 Number 1 Ticket Holder - Philippa Power

Phillipa has been a member and involved in the Club for over 50 years and will be the Swans number 1 Ticket Holder in 2012.

More to follow.