Norwood’s Matthew Panos and Mitch Grigg strong tips to win 2018 Magarey Medal
WILL Norwood midfielder Mitch Grigg claim back-to-back Magarey Medals or will it be a teammate who adds his name to the prestigious award?
- Double Blues wait on Sutcliffe
- Finals flashback: Flag that united merged Eagles
- Brooksby wants to get monkey off Panthers’ back
- Cotton plots finals course without Glenn
NORWOOD’S impressive season is tipped to be reflected at the Magarey Medal count on Wednesday night with Redlegs Mitch Grigg and Matthew Panos sure to be prominent on the leaderboard.
The high class duo have been powerful onball forces for the Redlegs in their charge to the minor premiership and hot favouritism for the flag and have ticked all the boxes to impress the umpires.
Grigg is chasing back-to-back wins in the state league’s highest individual award after polling 23 votes to triumph by four in his first season back at The Parade after being drafted by Adelaide.
“I’ve had a reasonably similar season to last year,” Grigg said.
Not only was Grigg the second most prolific possession earner behind Central District rover Travis Schiller, he also bagged 28 goals to lead the Redlegs’ goalkicking by two from Panos.
Panos believes Grigg has had an even better season this year and the said the fact the Redlegs won more games this season was also in his favour.
“Mitch will probably win it,” Panos said. “It is hard to know what will happen, but Mitch and Nick Liddle are the two favourites to take it out in my opinion.
“I’m biased towards Mitch because I see him every week, but Nick Liddle has had an awesome year for South Adelaide and is a fair chance as well.”
Panos has backed this season as his best in the red and blue jumper, citing an injury-free run as a key factor.
The talented midfielder appeared in every round, apart from the final game against the Panthers at Noarlunga Oval last Sunday when he was rested because of slight bone bruising in his foot. The Redlegs had their first loss since round four and Panos’ absence was crucial.
“The last couple of years I’ve had a few injuries and missed games,” Panos said. “I could not get continuity with training and playing.
“This year I’ve had a lot more training under my belt and had a lot more confidence going into games. I haven’t been worried about injuries and it has been a lot smoother process.”
Grigg admits he won’t be surprised if Panos is crowned the Medallist, claiming he has had a terrific year.
“He is just polished, more polished than me,” Grigg said.
“We have been working well together and trying to free each other up.”
The Redlegs have won four more games this season. That is significant considering Grigg and Panos will probably rob each other of votes.
Midfielders have won the past 15 Magarey Medals and that trend is expected to flow into this season.
MAGAREY MEDAL FORM GUIDE
SANFL writer Warren Partland casts his eye over the favourites for Wednesday night’s Magarey Medal
MATTHEW PANOS (Norwood)
The Redlegs claimed the minor premiership and won 13 games in a row, many in emphatic fashion, so there will be no shortage of votes for the premiership favourites. Panos was often the spark in the midfield, playing in all but the final round and averaging more than 28 possessions a game. The umpires could not help but notice his presence given the manner in which he powers from stoppages and uses the ball with terrific skills. Then there is his healthy production going forward, kicking 26 goals to add even more currency to his value. Polled 14 votes last year to finish tied fourth so the umpires well and truly know who he is. Panos is a class act and his game is what the Magarey Medal description is all about. Was named in the Redlegs’ best players 11 times.
MITCH GRIGG (Norwood)
The onballer is a proved vote getter, as evident in last year’s count when he polled 23 to win by four. If it was not Matthew Panos bursting from the packs, it was Grigg, and his ability to hunt the ball and then have penetration with the kick will not be lost on the men casting their votes. Was second on the possession leaders’ board after playing all 18 games with an average very similar to Panos. Bagged 28 goals for the season to be 10th on the goalkicking list so his talents were constantly on show. Will be sharing votes with Panos, but the Redlegs won so many games there will be plenty of votes to go around.
NICK LIDDLE (South Adelaide)
The veteran has been at his brilliant best in the midfield for the Panthers this season. Liddle played all 18 games and averaged almost 26 possessions — 12 being contested — a game so has been constantly under the noses of the umpires. He also averaged six clearance. Plus it’s also not hard to find him given his red hair. Polled 12 votes last year to finish tied eighth with Zane Kirkwood so he does attract positive attention for the umpires. He has also dominated the R.O. Shearman Medal, an award judged by the coaches. The Panthers have won plenty of games which helps his chances.
TRAVIS SCHILLER (Central District)
The past Magarey Medals have been won by midfielders and they look set to dominate this year, so Schiller must be included among the leading chances given his ability to find plenty of possessions. He played all 18 games and was the leading possession winner at an average of more than 29 — 15 contested — a game. Of those, more than 19 are handballs. Small in stature, but is never far from the action and won’t have too many teammates taking votes of him. Is also a proven votegetter. In each of the past two years he has polled 14 votes, while he amassed 17 in 2015 and that was with then teammate Paul Thomas getting 20.
JAMES BOYD (Eagles)
Only five players have earned more possessions this season so has given the umpires plenty of reasons to consider him for votes. However, those five played more games and Boyd averaged more than 30 possessions for his 16 games. Plus he gets a lot of touches out on his own so hard not to notice him. Finished tied third in 2016 with 18 votes, although was ineligible to win the award, so is a proven votegetter. The Eagles won plenty of games which helps and he should finish the season strongly.
ZANE KIRKWOOD (Sturt)
The Double Blues’ captain has such an incredible record in the award he must be included among the chances. Last year, he finished ninth behind Mitch Grigg after winning in 2016 and 2014. In 2013, he was fifth and then sixth two years later. There are few players who can match his consistency and he leads the Double Blues from the front. Importantly for earning votes, he is rarely far from the action. The onball star played all 18 games this season and was the fourth highest possession earner. He averaged 14 contested possessions. As with the other leading contenders, he is high on vote count for the coach’s award.