SANFL Grand Final 2016: Jack Stephens wins Jack Oatey Medal in Sturt’s flag triumph
IT looms as being a big few days in the Parkside home of Jack Stephens.
IT looms as being a big few days in the Parkside home of Jack Stephens.
A day after his housemate Tom Brinsley captained Prince Alfred Old Collegians to a division one amateur football flag, Stephens helped Sturt end a 14-year premiership drought and claimed the Jack Oatey Medal as best on ground.
On top of that, their other housemate John Greenslade kicked three goals for the Double Blues in the 27-point grand final win over Woodville-West Torrens at Adelaide Oval.
“The Dunks St house will be rollicking this evening, I imagine,” Stephens said.
“It’s fantastic, and so good for the supporters, the administration, coaches. I couldn’t be happier at the minute and it hasn’t really sunk in.”
Stephens stamped his authority on the contest early with a couple of huge marks in defence. He nullified Eagles forward Andrew Ainger and finished with 22 disposals, eight marks, five tackles and a goal. In the first half in particular, Stephens influenced a lot of contests and helped Sturt repel a series of Eagles forward thrusts.
“I’ve got a serious group of defenders around me that make it pretty easy,” Stephens said. “We just trust each other and that confidence goes a long way.
“It was just a good day and I was able to find a bit of the footy. It was great that we were able to break that game open in the last quarter.”
It is not often a defender wins a Jack Oatey Medal, which Stephens said was fine.
“Midfielders get all the kicks, so they deserve all the accolades,” he joked.
“I’m extremely humbled to win the award today.
“It’s a fantastic honour and I can’t really believe it still.”
Stephens has been with the Double Blues since under-17s and said the win meant a lot to him.
“I grew up in the area and come through the ranks, stuck it out in the reserves for three years and made the progression up to league footy,” he said. “I just love the club. I’m so proud of this group and the club.”
Sturt coach Martin Mattner said Stephens was instrumental to the victory but it took an all-in effort to beat the Eagles.
“Jack Stephens in the first half was unreal — he was everywhere,” Mattner said.
“But the midfield helped the defenders by putting pressure on and tackling — it took a team effort today.”