Former Richmond midfielder Daniel Jackson, and recently-appointed assistant coach Ben Rutten, have been nominated for the AFLPA’s Madden Medal.

The Madden Medal recognises the investment players make in the game, on and off the field, along with the steps they have taken to develop themselves professionally and personally.

“The Madden Medal is an important opportunity to recognise the contribution and achievement of our recently retired players,” said Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh.

“Each have had sensational playing careers, however we don’t talk enough about how much effort is involved in fulfilling an AFL career.

“Not many would be aware of how much players contribute to the community, so it’s important we highlight and celebrate these achievements.”

The key criteria that are taken into consideration in determining the Madden Medallist are football achievements, personal development and community spirit and off-field engagement.

The award, named in honour of former champions Simon and Justin Madden, was first presented in 2007 and has been won by Glenn Archer (2007), Robert Harvey (2008), Michael O’Loughlin (2009), Brett Kirk (2010), Cameron Ling (2011), Luke Power (2012) and Jude Bolton (2013).

The winner will be decided by the board of the AFL Players’ Association and previous winners of the award, and will be announced tonight (Friday October 3) at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Jackson has been heavily involved in the wider community with Board Member positions at Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Ladder.

He is also an ambassador for headspace, a national youth and mental health foundation, and Richmond’s preferred charity partner, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

In between his football and community commitments, Jackson also completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne University and was heavily involved with the AFL Players’ Association throughout his career. He was a Richmond delegate from 2006 through to 2011 and has been a board-member since 2012.