Can Woodville-West Torrens claim their first Magarey Medal?

WOODVILLE-West Torrens is without a Magarey Medallist in the 25 years since the amalgamation which gave birth to the club ... and coach Michael Godden admits he is at a loss to explain why.

WOODVILLE-West Torrens is without a Magarey Medallist in the 25 years since the amalgamation which gave birth to the club ... and coach Michael Godden admits he is at a loss to explain why.

As he notes, the Eagles have been in eight grand finals and won three premierships.

In fact, there have been only four seasons they have not extended their season beyond the final minor round.

That is 21 years of finals actions and there have been some powerhouse Eagles outfits. There have also been Eagles stars such as Mark McKenzie and Justin Cicolella.

“I’m not sure why the club has never won a Magarey Medal,’’ Godden said. “We’ve had some pretty decent players in the 25 years of the Eagles.

“I don’t know we have never won one, it’s odd. I’d like to think it is because of the team aspect. The ethos is no one is better than anyone else — we don’t promote individualism.’’

So can the Eagles end their drought when the votes for this year’s Medal are revealed on Monday night?

If an Eagle is to succeed it is likely to be skilful Jared Petrenko or fiercely competitive Angus Rowntree.

“Pup (Petrenko) has had a very good year,’’ Godden said. “He will be a vote gatherer and should poll quite well.

“Rowntree has had a very good year as well, I’d say as good as anyone at the club since I have been coach. He has played in every game but one.’’

South Adelaide on-baller Joel Cross, despite being totally team orientated, already has claimed the competition’s highest individual honour. And this season’s efforts are at least the equal when he won in 2012.

West Adelaide skipper Chris Schmidt must also be strongly considered. Fiercely competitive, Schmidt finds plenty of the ball and most of his possessions are hard-fought.

Glenelg’s Matthew Snook should poll well along with busy Central District’s rover Travis Schiller.