As the countdown to the Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner continues, NMFC.com.au is taking a closer look at who might take home the best and fairest award.

While Robbie Tarrant looms as a potential favourite after a huge finish to the year, there’s been plenty of Kangaroos putting their hands up during the Roos’ 2016 campaign.

With finals still to come, the race for the Syd Barker Medal is well and truly open.

Robbie Tarrant

As much as Todd Goldstein was a clear favourite for 2015’s Syd Barker Medal, Robbie Tarrant finds himself in a similar position heading into the 2016 edition.

Now with the continuity in his game and fully fit, the key defender played all 22 home and away games for the first time in his career.

Entrusted with the responsibility of the opposition’s number one forward in most matches, he not only won the majority of his matchups, but also provided plenty of offensive drive for his side.

Arguably Tarrant’s most impressive form of the year has come late on, when his side has had more defending to do.

Even though he’s been under siege at times in the back half of the season, Tarrant has still only conceded three goals in his last seven matches.

Best game

Round 13 v Hawthorn
- Career-high 26 disposals, seven rebound 50’s, six marks and held Jack Gunston to just two kicks

By the numbers

Disposals: 360 (career high for a season)
Marks: 142 (career high for a season)
Rebound 50’s: 91 (career high for a season)
One percenters: 154 (career high for a season)
AFLCA votes: 29 (4th at NMFC)

The Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner will be held on Friday October 7, 2016 at Peninsula on Central Pier.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK