Abe Davis and Mitch Grigg claim Adelaide Footy League div one, div two medals

A div one AdFL superstar has joined rare air by claiming back-to-back league medals. See every medallist across all seven divisions.

AdFL div one and div two medallists Abe Davis and Mitch Grigg.

A former SANFL star has joined rare air by becoming just the fourth player to claim back-to-back Keith Sims OAM Medals as the best and fairest player in division one of the Adelaide Footy League.

Superstar Glenunga captain Abe Davis, who played for Sydney, South Adelaide and Sturt before joining the Rams in 2023, polled 30 votes in Tuesday’s count to edge out Golden Grove onballer Jake Pitman for the medal.

An integral leader for Nathan Grima’s 17-1 Rams, Davis has been dominant as an inside mid who can play a number of other roles including as a potent forward.

“I probably didn’t have the same expectations as I did last year but I started to feel pretty good towards the end when I was polling a few,” Davis said after the count.

Davis has had another standout season for the Rams. Picture: Max Stapleton

“I actually wasn’t aware only three other players have won back-to-back until I won the medal and I think that achievement is probably a reflection of the team and Glenunga as a club.

“You’ve got to stay fit and play consistent footy but it’s much more a reflection on the guys around me and the confidence the coaches give me.”

Davis, who took on the captaincy for season 2024, has been named among Glenunga’s best in 14 of his 18 games so far this year and has also booted 40 goals while predominantly playing through the middle.

“I’ve never really looked at myself as a mid or forward, I’m just someone who can impact the game around the ground and especially in the front half,” he said.

Abe Davis has claimed the Keith Sims OAM Medal for a second consecutive season. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

“I’ve got licence to play a number of roles depending on what is being called for and I think that has really helped me.”

Davis and the Rams lost last year’s div one big dance to Prince Alfred OC by 14 points after a dominant season and look set to have another crack after winning a second straight minor premiership and booking a big qualifying clash at home against Port District this weekend.

I’m really happy with where we’re at,” Davis said.

“Obviously finals is a different beast and we know Port District is going to bring a lot of ferociousness and hunt on the ball.

“The hunger is burning for me and a few other boys after last year but we’ve got some fresh faces like Jordan West, Charlie Pridham and Declan Fahey this year which has also kept us energetic.

“It’s a new year now and hopefully we can produce our best footy and go one further.”

Davis in action during last year's D1 grand final. The Rams will aim to go all the way this season. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

In division two, it was former Crow and Norwood superstar Mitch Grigg who claimed the FA Bloch Medal for Athelstone with 30 votes.

“We had just finished training ahead of this weekend’s game when I found out I’d won the medal,” he said.

“It’s obviously pretty humbling to win something like that.

“I’ve been pretty consistent barring a few games through the year and I think I’ve benefited from our attacking approach under Knighter (coach Matt Knight).”

Mitch Grigg has dominated for Athelstone in 2024. Picture: Athelstone Football Club

A powerful and dominant midfielder who has also hit the scoreboard for 33 goals this year, Grigg joined the Raggies last season and has his club ready for a big preliminary final clash with Rostrevor OC this weekend.

He said he was enjoying his time in the league.

“I think it’s a great league, it’s a very good level of competition and it’s constantly changing with teams going up and down each year which makes it unique and exciting.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Athelstone so far and being able to balance it with my family life and we’re super excited for the challenge ahead this weekend.

Grigg won two Magarey Medals with Norwood and has now won his first Adelaide Footy League medal. Picture: Tom Huntley

“This will be our fourth time playing Rostrevor this year and we’ve lost two so we have a bit of unfinished business against them.

“We’re confident we can take advantage of being on a bigger deck in the preliminary final and it would be awesome to be able to earn promotion and have a crack at the premiership this year.

“It would mean a lot to the supporters and life members as well.”

EVERY MEDAL WINNER

Division one (Keith Sims OAM Medal) – Abe Davis (Glenunga)

Division two (FA Bloch Medal) – Mitch Grigg (Athelstone)

Division three (GS Heard Medal) – Mark Rowe (North Haven)

Division four (JW Schulz Medal) – Alex Barns (Morphettville Park)

Division five (JB Dicker Medal) – Kye Dean (Colonel Light Gardens)

Division six (AG Bert Medal) – Sean Hee (Salisbury)

Division seven (RA Stennett Medal) – Luke Allan (Hackham)

Division one women’s (Dutschke Medal) – Abby Klaebe (Payneham Norwood Union)

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have been picked for the round and in conjunction with the Adelaide Footy League, we’re giving you the chance to vote for who you think is the standout in both categories.

Watch the videos and vote in our polls below.

Each week the votes will go towards the Adelaide Footy League’s awards for the mark and goal of the year.