AFL 2023: Errol Gulden wins Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney Swans best and fairest

Errol Gulden continued his busy awards season by taking home his inaugural Bob Skilton Medal to be named the Swans’ club champion. See the top 10.

Errol Gulden was a clear standout for the Swans this season. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Errol Gulden has capped off his incredible season by winning an inaugural Bob Skilton Medal as the Sydney Swans’ club champion for 2023.

The 21-year-old wingman became one of the elite players in the competition this year, averaging 27 disposals and five tackles a game as the Swans fought their way into the finals.

Gulden won the medal by more than 250 points from second-placed Nick Blakey, while James Rowbottom rounded out the podium.

It’s further recognition for Gulden, who this year earned his maiden All-Australian blazer and finished equal-fourth in the Brownlow Medal.

“Errol had an extraordinary season,” Charlie Gardiner, the Swans’ footy manager, said.

“For a third-year player to do what he did was remarkable. He works extremely hard on his game and is an exceptional young man and already a much-respected teammate.”

Gulden was presented the medal by Sydney Swans Hall of Famer John Heriot and Rebecca Skilton, the granddaughter of Bob Skilton.

Errol Gulden has had a busy awards season at the Brownlow and All-Australian nights. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

It was one of three awards Gulden received on the night on top of the Paul Kelly Player’s Player award and the Carey Bunton Medal as the best AFL player from NSW.

Harry Cunningham received the Barry Round Best Clubman award. The 29-year-old played every game for the Swans this season and was a finalist for this year’s Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his work with Sydney’s charity partner, Redkite.

Talented tall Hayden McLean was named the Swans’ Most Improved Player for the season and went home with the Dennis Carrol Award.

Angus Sheldrick was named the club’s 2023 Rising Star.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Errol Gulden wins Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney Swans best and fairest