Archer–Hird Medal
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The Archer–Hird Medal is a perpetual medal honouring former Essendon and North Melbourne Football Club players James Hird and Glenn Archer.[1]
Since season 2008, the Archer–Hird has been awarded to the player showing the most determination, courage and skill during clashes between the North Melbourne and Essendon Football Clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL).
The inaugural medal was awarded to Mark McVeigh when the Bombers played the Kangaroos on Easter Monday in the AFL's opening round of 2008.[2] It was also Essendon's first win over North Melbourne since their famous comeback match in 2001.
In round 13, 2011, the medal was presented to Brent Harvey by former Australian Test cricket captain and prominent North Melbourne supporter, Ricky Ponting. This was also the first time that James Hird coached Essendon against North Melbourne.
In the case where North Melbourne and Essendon play each other twice in one season, the medal is awarded in the first meeting only.
Match results
| Year | Round | Winner | Essendon score | North Melbourne score | Venue | Archer–Hird Medallist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | Essendon | 19.8.122 | 9.13.67 | Etihad Stadium | Mark McVeigh (Essendon) |
| 2009 | 4 | North Melbourne | 7.15.57 | 10.9.69 | Etihad Stadium | Brent Harvey (North Melbourne) |
| 2010 | 17 | Essendon | 18.14.122 | 18.11.119 | Etihad Stadium | Jobe Watson (Essendon) |
| 2011 | 13 | North Melbourne | 12.18.90 | 17.9.111 | Etihad Stadium | Brent Harvey (North Melbourne) |
| 2012 | 1 | Essendon | 14.20.104 | 15.12.102 | Etihad Stadium | Brent Stanton (Essendon) |
| 2013 | 1 | North Melbourne | 17.13.115 | 9.16.70 | Etihad Stadium | Daniel Wells (North Melbourne) |