Two of Collingwood’s retirees are among the 10 nominees for the AFL Players’ Association’s Madden Medal.

Premiership captain Nick Maxwell and champion midfielder Luke Ball are both in the running to receive the award that recognises the retiring player who has contributed the most to the game and the broader community.

The Madden Medal takes into account football achievement, personal development, community spirit and off-field engagement.

“The Madden Medal is an important opportunity to recognise the contribution and achievement of our recently retired players,” AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh told aflplayers.com.au.

“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 award is named in honour of the Madden brothers, Simon and Justin.

2014 Madden Medal nominees
Ben Rutten (Adelaide), Jonathan Brown (Brisbane), Luke Ball (Collingwood), Nick Maxwell (Collingwood), Dom Cassisi (Port Adelaide), Daniel Jackson (Richmond), Lenny Hayes (St Kilda), Dean Cox (West Coast), Darren Glass (West Coast) and Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs).

Past winners of the Madden Medal
2007 – Glenn Archer (North Melbourne)
2008 – Robert Harvey (St Kilda)
2009 – Michael O’Loughlin (Sydney)
2010 – Brett Kirk (Sydney)
2011 – Cameron Ling (Geelong)
2012 – Luke Power (Brisbane/Greater Western Sydney)
2013 – Jude Bolton (Sydney)