The player judged best on ground in Showdown XXXIX on Sunday will receive the Phillip Walsh Medal.
The Showdown Medal will be renamed the Phillip Walsh Medal this weekend in honour of the late Crows Senior Coach, who was also an assistant coach at Port Adelaide for more than a decade. As is the tradition, the medal will be voted on by a panel of representatives from print, broadcast and digital media.
While the Showdown Medal has been renamed for Sunday's game with the agreement of both clubs, a decision on a permanent tribute to Walsh will be made at a later time after further discussions.
Adelaide Chief Executive Andrew Fagan said it made sense to rename the medal for Sunday’s match.
“Walshy made a significant contribution to our club and his philosophies and values will continue to shape what we do going forward,” Fagan said.
“He achieved the ultimate success with his friends at Alberton and while we reflect and celebrate his life, it is fitting that the Showdown Medal bears his name.
“The man himself used to demand his men get the job done and players from both teams will be striving hard to do just that. Whoever is fortunate to be awarded the medal is sure to hold it in the highest regard.
“Going forward we will work closely with the Power to ensure there is a long-standing and appropriate tribute to Walshy.”
Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas said the Phillip Walsh medal would be cherished by the worthy winner on Sunday.
“I’m sure Phil would be very proud of this tribute. He absolutely loved both clubs, having spent ten years with us at Alberton and then finding his way to West Lakes as senior coach where he was clearly making a huge impression,” Thomas said.
“I know whichever player is fortunate enough to be awarded this medal will cherish it like no other.
“That player will have to play in a way that Phil demanded. He’ll need to be tough but fair, uncompromising and consistent with his efforts all day and most importantly play a significant role in influencing the outcome of the game.”
“In saying that, it just felt right that we should honour Phil with a medal in his honour this Sunday given the genuine emotion that surrounds this game.
“Both clubs will discuss at the end of the season the most meaningful way to honour his memory [going forward].”
The Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Club’s have embraced several other joint initiatives to honour Walsh on Sunday, including a minute of applause post-match.
View the complete list of winners of the Showdown Medal
