Sandover Medal: Rokahr and England Share Prestigious Honor
Shared Sandover Medal
For the first time in nearly two decades, the Sandover Medal has been shared between two players. Nik Rokahr of Swan Districts and Callan England of Claremont claimed the highest individual award in the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) with 19 votes each. This marks the lowest winning tally in a full season under the current 3-2-1 voting system.
Rokahr's Triumphant Season
Nik Rokahr, a 29-year-old midfielder, joined Swan Districts this year from Norwood in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). He made an immediate impact, polling in eight matches, including four best-on-ground performances.
England's Rise to Stardom
Callan England, a 25-year-old midfielder, has played over 100 matches for Claremont since his debut in 2016. He registered votes in nine games, including three maximum tallies. His consistent performances throughout the season culminated in a three-vote game against Subiaco in the final match of the home-and-away round.
Other Notable Contenders
Other players who finished close in the Sandover Medal race include Mitch Crowden (East Perth), Matthew Parker (South Fremantle), Haiden Schloithe (South Fremantle), and Oliver Eastland (Claremont), all with 17 votes.
WA Football Hall of Fame Inductions
The Sandover Medal vote count coincided with the WA Football Hall of Fame inductions, honoring several WA football legends:
- Tony Buhagiar (East Fremantle)
- Dale Kickett (Claremont and Fremantle)
- Stan Magro (South Fremantle)
- Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)
Other WAFL Awards
In addition to the Sandover Medal, several other awards were presented:
- Bernie Naylor Medal: Tyler Keitel (West Perth) - WAFL Leading Goalkicker
- Prendergast Medal: Menno Inverarity (Claremont) - WAFL Reserves Fairest & Best
- Jack Clarke Medal: Declan Pauline (East Fremantle) - Colts Fairest & Best
- JJ Leonard Medal: Ross McQueen (East Perth) - Coach of the Year
- Montgomery Medal: Trent McPhee - Best WAFL Field Umpire
- Rodriguez Shield: Claremont Football Club - Champion Club
- WAFC Life Member: Trevor Nisbett
- Hall of Fame Commemorative Recognition: 18 deceased pre-1945 players, an umpire, and a media representative