SYDNEY Swans midfielder Jarrad McVeigh has won his first Bob Skilton Medal.

McVeigh won Friday night’s club champion medal count with 578 points, ahead of co-captain Brett Kirk (568) and first-year Swan Martin Mattner (532).

In what was a tight finish, McVeigh wasn’t in the lead following the elimination final victory over North Melbourne, but polled 25 points to Kirk’s 11 in the semi-final loss to the Western Bulldogs, to secure his first Bob Skilton Medal.

It is a remarkable improvement for McVeigh who finished 18th in the 2007 club championship, 11th in 2006 and 23rd in 2005.

The 23-year-old polled a perfect 50 points for his round-18 game against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra and received votes in 20 of the 24 games played this season.

McVeigh was taken with selection five in the 2002 NAB AFL Draft and, since making his debut in round one of 2004, has played 105 games and kicked 74 goals.

The gifted midfielder took some time to find his spot in the senior side.

He spent a number of years playing in the reserves and missed selection for the 2005 Grand Final victory over West Coast.

In 2006 he started to become a regular in the senior team and played in that year’s losing Grand Final, again to the Eagles.

Since then McVeigh has cemented his spot in the senior side and become an important member of the team, his club champion honour just reward for a stellar season.

Kirk finished in the top two for the sixth consecutive year. He was runner up in 2003 and 2004, winner in 2005, second in 2006, took top honours again in 2007 before this year’s result.

Sydney Swans Rising Star Award - Kieren Jack and Craig Bird (tie)

Dennis Carroll Trophy for most improved - Jarred Moore

Barry Round Trophy for best clubman - Tadhg Kennelly

Paul Roos Award for best player in the finals - Barry Hall

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

Life Members - Tadhg Kennelly, Barry Hall, Ryan O’Keefe, Phil Mullen, Stephen Brassel