2021 Club Champion Preview

Next Wednesday night’s Club Champion is set to be a tight race, with multiple Redlegs in contention to claim the award for the Club’s best and fairest player.

With several impressive performances across the board from the group’s experienced players and young Legs, norwoodfc.com.au has looked at this year’s key stats leaders and main contenders.

Matthew Nunn:

12 games – averaged 23.6 disposals, 4 marks, 4.2 inside-50s, 8.6 tackles per match.

The Redlegs Captain had an outstanding start to the 2021 SANFL Statewide Super League Season. He was best on ground in Round one when he collected 40 disposals to go with five clearances, five marks, 11 tackles and four inside 50s. He was consistent in his new role as Captain before he was sidelined early in the State Game with a hamstring injury. He returned in Round nine against Glenelg and did not miss a beat, before re-injuring his hamstring again in Round 13 against Port Adelaide at Alberton. Nunn finished as Norwood’s highest vote getter in the Magarey Medal with 16 and led the count until Round 10.

Jacob Kennerley:

20 games – averaged 18 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.7 inside-50s, 6.7 tackles per match.

Former Cat and Redlegs junior Jacob Kennerley was a pillar of consistency in 2021. Playing as a predominant midfielder, Kennerley found plenty of the ball and was responsible at times as Norwood’s player to negate the oppositions best midfielder. Kennerley was outstanding at the contest throughout the whole year and laid a whopping 17 tackles against West Adelaide in Round 16. He finished with the most tackles for Norwood (134) and currently ranks fourth in the SANFL.

Richard Douglas:

19 games – averaged 22.6 disposals, 3.9 marks, 3.6 inside-50s, 4.8 tackles per match.

The former Crow was again influential for Norwood in his second season at The Parade. At 33 years of age, Douglas showed no signs of slowing down, ranked second behind Nik Rokahr for disposals, inside 50’s and clearances. Douglas was best on ground for Norwood in Round 7 against his former team Adelaide where he collected 31-disposals, nine marks, five clearances and seven inside 50’s. His willingness at the contest and ability to hit targets should make Douglas a candidate for back-to-back Michael Taylor Medals.

Nikolaus Rokahr:

20 games – averaged 22.9 disposals, 4.3 marks, 4.4 inside-50s, 4.8 tackles per match.

Alongside Kennerley, Rokahr was one of five Redlegs to play all 20 games for Norwood in season 2021. In one of his best performances for 2021, Rokahr impressed against the Magpies in Round 13, helping the Club win its first game at Alberton Oval since 2018. Ever reliable, the Norwood ball magnet thrived in his role on ball finishing with the highest number of disposals for Norwood in 2021 with 458. He also led the club for kicks, clearances and inside 50’s. Rokahr’s ability to spread from stoppage and take marks saw him finish second to Declan Hamilton with 86 in total from 20 games.

Harry Boyd:

20 games – averaged 10.8 disposals, 2.1 marks, 2.7 inside-50s, 3.5 tackles per match.

Signing from Shepparton for season 2021, Harry Boyd was instantly a fan favourite. After spending time up forward to partner young star Jackson Callow, the 22-year-old shouldered most of the ruck load after primary ruck Michael Knoll went down with injury. Boyd proved his worth in the middle, giving first use to the midfielders and was influential for Norwood when set up behind the ball to take a contested mark. Boyd played his role well in Norwood’s Semi-Final defeat to South Adelaide, where he collected 31-disposals to go with three marks, 12 clearances and 27 hit-outs.

Mitch Grigg:  

18 games – averaged 19.9 disposals, 3.7 marks, 3.6 inside-50s, 5.1 tackles per match.

The dual Magarey Medallist played 18 of the 20 games in Season 2021. Dropped to the Reserves in Round Five to gain some confidence and form, Grigg returned to the senior fold in Round Seven and never looked back. His tackle pressure and ball-winning ability saw him return to his best highlighted by a remarkable individual performance against South Adelaide at Noarlunga where he collected 34-disposals to go with 12 marks, nine tackles, seven inside 50’s and three goals. Grigg continued to show his worth, in what was to be his final season at Norwood. Can he cap off his final year with a second Michael Taylor Medal?

Declan Hamilton:

20 games – averaged 18.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.8 inside-50s, 4.2 tackles per match.

After playing as a half-forward in his first three years at The Parade, Hamilton was shifted into defence throughout the 22021 SANFL Season. The move paid dividends as Hamilton’s ability to hit targets and provide drive from defence saw him lead the club for marks and rank third for disposals. Hamilton had a massive game in Round 17 racking up 31-disposals, seven marks and five inside 50’s against the Bloods.

Cam Ball:

20 games – averaged 10 disposals, 2.7 marks, 1.8 rebound-50s, 3 tackles per match.

Cam Ball was again only one of five who appeared for Norwood every game this season. In 2021 the 21-year-old was handed the task of playing on some of the League’s best key forwards, while also showing his versatility within the forward line – booting a goal against Glenelg in Round 9. Ball was again consistent this season and will only improve next season and beyond.

Brad McKenzie:

17 games – averaged 17.8 disposals, 3.6 marks, 2.5 inside-50s, 3.8 tackles per match.

The winner of the past two Michael Taylor Medals, Brad McKenzie, made his move up the ground in season 2021. In past seasons, McKenzie proved to be a vital intercept defender which saw win both the Best and Fairest in 2019 and 2020. After improving his engine, McKenzie moved onto a wing to use his accurate/penetrating left kick to set up the play and give Norwood’s forwards a good look at the ball. McKenzie was impressive in Round Five against South Adelaide, collecting a season-high 30 disposals to go with seven marks and six tackles. Again, he was influential with his ability to gain territory for Norwood with his clean ball use and ability to hit his teammates on the chest. Can Brad McKenzie claim his third Michael Taylor Medal in a row?