Lenny Hayes has received one last AFL playing honour, winning the Madden Medal.

The ex-St Kilda star polled the most votes in the AFL Players Association honour ahead of Brisbane’s Jonathan Brown.

The association board and past winners are polled for the medal, which goes to a newly-retired player.

Apart from a strong on-field career, the award criteria also include personal development and community spirit.

Hayes played 297 games in 16 seasons at St Kilda and was one of the most admired players of his generation.

Among his many honours was the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the drawn 2010 grand final against Collingwood.

Hayes was a fearless midfielder and returned from heart surgery to close out his career.