Since debuting for the Saints in 2003, Fisher has established himself as one of the Club’s premier players. The 25-year old finished third in St Kilda’s 2006 Best & Fairest and second in 2007 before breaking through to claim the coveted award this year.
The diligent backman is vital to St Kilda’s defensive structure, winning a lot of the ball and creating drive off half back. Fisher ranked third in the AFL for rebound 50’s in the 2008 home & away season as well as third overall for marks after taking 192 grabs this year.
Recruited from West Adelaide, Fisher has played 96 career games and demonstrated his commitment to the Club by signing with the Saints for a further two years. In season 2008, Fisher played all 25 home & away games for the Club and kicked five goals, as well as being part of St Kilda’s NAB Cup triumph.
“It’s a tremendous honour to win the Trevor Barker Medal, particularly playing as part of such a competitive team,” Fisher said.
“2008 was a strong year for St Kilda and I am proud to have played with such a solid team. The Saints are among the frontrunners of the competition and I hope that I can carry my form into 2009 and help the Club go even further than we did this year.”
Fisher continued, “I’d like to thank everyone at the St Kilda Football Club for their continued support, as well as our loyal fans who come to our games week in, week out to cheer for the Saints. I think there is a lot to look forward to in 2009.”
Voting for the Trevor Barker Award is based on allocating players a score on a scale of 1-10, with five members of the coaching panel independently submitting their votes after each round.
The final voting saw Sam Fisher finish with a winning total of 680 votes, Nick Riewoldt second with 643 votes and Lenny Hayes third with 627 votes. Max Hudghton was in fourth spot with 507 votes while the ever-green Robert Harvey rounded out the top five with 492 votes in his final year.
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee (2005) Raphael Clarke took out the Most Promising Player Award while retiring greats Robert Harvey and Fraser Gehrig were recognised for their services to the Club. Harvey was also honoured with a new award introduced this year.
The Robert Harvey Best Clubman Award will be a perpetual award judged by the Club’s coaching and conditioning staff. Each player is ranked on their approach to training, health and nutrition, injuries and treatment, community work, and general attitude to training, matches and life around the Club. The inaugural award was presented to St Kilda vice-captain Lenny Hayes for his tireless commitment to the Club.
St Kilda retirees Robert Harvey and Fraser Gehrig were also recognised for their services to the Club.
The John Moran Loyalty Award was awarded to Lyn Gandolfo. Lyn’s has been a member of the Halo Coterie Club since 1997. She has spent eight years on the committee and the last three as President, spending tireless hours organising Club events, match day functions and representing the Saints in a dignified and passionate manner.
2008 Trevor Barker Award Top 10
Sam Fisher 680 votes
Nick Riewoldt 643 votes
Lenny Hayes 627 votes
Max Hudghton 507 votes
Robert Harvey 492 votes
Leigh Montagna 473 votes
Brendan Goddard 469 votes
Jason Gram 467 votes
Luke Ball 418 votes
Jason Blake 402 votes
