Sydney Swans midfielder-forward Isaac Heeney has been a standout in the Swans’ dominant start to the season, picking up 28 from a possible 30 coaches’ votes so far - and most likely nine Brownlow votes.  

The former Cardiff Hawk from the historic Black Diamond League in Newcastle is a clear leader in the coaches’ award and therefore sits well on top of the leaderboard in the Carey-Bunton Medal for the best NSW player in the AFL.

The medal is named in honour of Wayne Carey and Haydn Bunton Snr, two of the state’s greatest footy products.

Carey played for North Wagga in his formative years before captaining North Melbourne’s premiership teams in 1996 and 99 and being named in North’s Team of the Century, as well as seven All Australian teams.

Bunton started his career with Albury and after moving to Fitzroy in the VFL, he won three Brownlow medals in 1931, ’32, ’35 and was runner up in 1934. He moved to WA where he represented Subiaco and won three Sandover Medals in 1938, ’39, and ’41.

Votes for the Carey-Bunton are based on the AFL Coaches’ Association votes.

Heeney also sits second in the Bill Mohr Medal for the the leading goalkicker from NSW. 

CAREY-BUNTON MEDAL
28    Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans/ Cardiff)                        
11    Errol Gulden (Sydney Swans / Maroubra) 
5     Nick Blakey (Sydney Swans/ Eastern Suburbs)      
5     Tom Hawkins (Geelong/ Finley)                                         
3      Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast Suns/ Sydney University/ St Ives)    
3     Jack Buckley (GWS Giants / Maroubra)      
2     Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide/ Deniliquin)                      

BILL MOHR MEDAL - NSW player Leading Goalkicker in the AFL          
5     Tom Hawkins (Geelong/ Finley)                     
4     Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans/ Cardiff)      
4     Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide/ Deniliquin)    
3     Jeremy Finalyson (Port Adelaide / Culcairn)  
3     Lachlan Schultz (Collingwood/ Moama)