The AFL Players’ Association has announced retired Essendon players Dustin Fletcher and Paul Chapman are in the running for the Madden Medal. 

The  honour ‘recognises the retiring player who has contributed the most to the game and the broader community’ and is named after former Essendon champion Simon Madden and his brother Justin.

The nominees this year include:

Dustin Fletcher (Essendon)

Paul Chapman (Essendon)

Chris Judd (Carlton)

Luke McPharlin (Fremantle)

Daniel Cross (Melbourne)

Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide)

Chris Newman (Richmond)

“With so many outstanding players retiring each season, it’s important we take the opportunity to recognise the contribution they have made to the game, both on and off the field,” AFL Players’ CEO Paul Marsh said. 

“Each of the 2015 Madden Medal nominees have had sensational playing careers, however it’s important we acknowledge the off-field effort involved in building a successful AFL career and celebrate these achievements.”

The winner will be announced on Friday.

Past winners include Lenny Hayes, Glenn Archer, Brett Kirk and Cameron Ling.