Magarey Medal

 Introduction:

• Awarded to the league’s fairest and most brilliant player during the SANFL home and away season
• Named after the then chairman of the league, William Magarey
• First awarded in 1898

 Exceptions:

• Not awarded in 1900 and 1904
• Not awarded in 1916, 1917 and 1918 due to the competition being suspended
• Not awarded in 1942, 1943 and 1944 due to a restricted competition

 Voting:

• After each game, the three field umpires award 3, 2 and 1 votes to the players they regard as the best, second best and third best
• From 1913, umpires would award one vote after each match. The votes were placed in sealed envelopes and counted at season’s end.
• From 1924, umpires would award five, three and one votes after each match to vote for three players from each team.
• Prior to the 1990s, a count back system was used in the case of a tie
• Since the 1990s, players tied on the most votes have shared the medal

 Eligibility:

• Players suspended for a reportable offence during the season are ineligible for the award
• In 1912 votes were not awarded and while Harold Oliver was unanimously considered the competition’s best player, he was declared ineligible for the award due to a fight with an opponent during the year

 Multiple Winners:

• Russell Ebert – 4 [League Record]
• Sampson Hosking – 2
• Bob Quinn – 2