Renmark’s Dan Woolford joins brothers Tim and Matt as league medallist

An SA country footy star has won his first league medal as he prepares for this weekend’s grand final, following in the footsteps of his two champion brothers.

An emerging superstar of SA country footy star has matched the efforts of his two champion brothers after becoming a league medallist this week.

Renmark Football Club midfielder Dan Woolford was named the Riverland Football League’s Mail Medallist for 2023 this week, following in the footsteps of brothers Matt (2017 medallist) and Tim (2021 and 2022 medallist).

A skilled onballer who wins plenty of the contested footy and finds teammates with ease, Woolford has had a spectacular season at league and Country Championships level, and just beat out Loxton North gun Joel Woorsfold 21 votes to 19.

“It was obviously a massive honour to win,” Woolford said.

“I was admittedly pretty nervous toward the end of the count because Woorsfold, who has had a really good year, was ahead of me by a vote with one round left.

“Luckily we actually stood each other in the final round of the season and I managed to produce a pretty good performance and got the three votes.”

Dan Woolford (middle, left) with awards presenter Dane Swan, and Matt (left) and Tim Woolford. Picture: Grant Schwartzkopff

Woolford has been on the cusp of a medal win in recent years, finishing runner-up to his brother Tim by four votes last season.

He said that while he was happy to win his first medal, the experience of doing it alongside his brothers made it significantly more special.

“Both my brothers have pushed me throughout my time at Renmark – Matt has been a massive role model for both me and Tim and to see what Tim has done in recent years has been fantastic,” Woolford said.

“To share in the moment with my brothers and have Tim present the medal to me was really special, I haven’t quite been able to comprehend it yet.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Renmark not just with my brothers but with everyone else involved too. It’s a great club with a lot of great people who always motivate me to lift my standards and push myself.”

Renmark's Dan Woolford after receiving the RFL Mail Medal. Picture: Grant Schwartzkopff

Woolford will now shift his attention to this Saturday’s big dance against Barmera Monash.

The Rovers started the season slow by their standards but have won six straight to book a spot in the grand final as they aim to win their fourth straight premiership.

“The individual awards are good but that isn’t what I play footy for, you want to play in grand finals and win as many premierships as you can,” Woolford said.

“Barmera are a really good team and every time we play them it’s been close so we’re expecting a tight contest.

“We’ve been in really good form lately so I’m confident that if we can be at our best we’ll get the job done and create another moment we can look back on.”