Norwood's Matthew Thomas wins Magarey Medal for 2013
NORWOOD midfielder Matthew Thomas has claimed the most prized individual football award in the state league, just a day after being cut by Port Adelaide.
NORWOOD midfielder Matthew Thomas has claimed the most prized individual football award in the state league, just a day after being cut by Port Adelaide.
Thomas polled 26 votes, including the maximum three votes in the final two rounds, to earn the Magarey Medal by five votes from Port Adelaide Magpie's pre-count favourite Sam Gray.
"It's been a hard 24 hours - I did not sleep much last night (but) I haven't enjoyed my footy as much as this year,'' Thomas said.
"It has been great to play with such a great club.
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"Trying to prove people wrong is a bit of motivation. I hope to get back in there (AFL) but, if I can't, I am at home at Norwood.''
Redlegs youngster Mitchell Grigg's enormous potential was recognised in the Medal when he finished third.
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Remarkably, quality midfielder Grigg led the count with 18 votes after 14 rounds but he did not front again for Norwood after being summoned to the AFL by Adelaide.
Thomas polled three votes in six games and his heavy influence on the ball has been a key factor in the Redlegs dominating the minor premiership to finish four games clear of Woodville-West Torrens.
The Redlegs will face West Adelaide in the SANFL second semi-final at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
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Surprisingly, Thomas was delisted by the Power on Monday.
Drafted from Sandringham in 2006 with pick No. 8, Thomas made 87 appearances for the Power.
He played four AFL games this season and his most recent match with the Power was against Hawthorn in round 16.
His form since being sent back to the SANFL has been sensational and he polled in six of the Redlegs' final seven games.
Thomas, Norwood's 11th Medallist and the first since Andrew Jarman in 1997, is a huge favourite of the Redlegs fans because of his fearless attack on the body and ball, his high tackle numbers and his consistent ability to secure the tough possessions.
His hunger for the big games is reflected in the Medal voting and he gained three votes in matches against the Eagles, Bloods, Central District and North Adelaide - the other clubs who qualified for this year's final series.
"(Redlegs coach) Nathan Bassett has been fantastic for me,'' Thomas said. "Bass got me playing up forward a bit, trying to develop my game. At 26 it is great to be doing that. I'd like to thank the SANFL - it's a great competition.''
It is the second successive year a player has won the Medal and been delisted by an AFL club. Brad Symes shared the award with Joel Cross and was delisted by the Crows.