An expert panel comprising of Tim Watson (Channel 7), Graeme Bond (3AW), Mark Robinson (Herald Sun) and Gary Dempsey submitted their votes after the final siren with the young dog was a clear winner.
The inaugural Emergency Services Appreciation Game was an opportunity for the football community to thank the people that have risked their own lives to help those in need over many years. And in this spirit, both clubs decided that it would be appropriate for VFL legend Gary Dempsey to be honoured with the naming of the medal for the best on ground in his honour.
Gary Dempsey typifies the spirit that the inaugural Emergency Services Appreciation Game represents. In 1969, he was seriously injured in the Lara Bushfires and despite suffering severe burns to 50% of his body, he fought his way back to make his senior debut for the Western Bulldogs (Footscray) Football Club the following season.
Throughout his illustrious career Dempsey played 207 games for the Western Bulldogs (Footscray) Football Club between, 1967 and 1978, where he was named best and fairest six times. Gary Dempsey also captained the side and was awarded the 1975 Brownlow Medal.
In 1979 Dempsey moved to the North Melbourne Football Club where he played 122 games and won the sides best and fairest award in his first season.
Throughout his career Gary was a regular Victorian representative and he was named Captain of his State in 1972.
Ryan Griffen’s performance in difficult conditions on Sunday afternoon made him a stand out choice for the Gary Dempsey Medal. Following the final siren, Bulldogs Captain Brad Johnson was presented with the Emergency Services Shield. Gary was on hand to present the medal named in his honour to the deserved winner.
The Western ssBulldogs are hopeful that the Emergency Services Appreciation Game will become an annual event and that the Gary Dempsey medal will continue to grow in stature. Griffens performance on Sunday epitomised the spirit of what the Emergency Services Appreciation Game represents.
