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West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui wins back-to-back John Worsfold medals after dominant 2021 AFL season

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
West Coast Eagles John Worsfold medallist Nic Naitanui.
Camera IconWest Coast Eagles John Worsfold medallist Nic Naitanui. Credit: John Koh/The West Australian

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui continues to celebrate his stunning resurgence following his two knee reconstructions by winning his second John Worsfold medal tonight.

The 31-year-old became just the eighth player to win multiple medals at the West Coast’s Club Champion Awards at Crown, also becoming the fourth Eagle to secure consecutive triumphs.

He joins Guy McKenna (1989, 1999), Glen Jakovich (1993, 1994, 1995, 2000), Ben Cousins (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005), Chris Judd (2004, 2006), Darren Glass (2007, 2009, 2011), Luke Shuey (2016, 2019) and Elliot Yeo (2017, 2018) as players to have won the mantle more than once. He also became the first ruckman in club history to achieve the feat.

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The three-time All Australian finished on 200 votes, 40 clear of midfielder Dom Sheed (160), underlining his dominant individual season, while wingman Andrew Gaff (149) rounded out the podium.

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Four members of the match committee rated each player on a scale of 0-3 after each game, meaning players can poll a maximum of 12 votes.

Naitanui polled maximum votes seven times and double figures on another seven occasions after playing every match this season.

Midfielder Jack Redden (137) and forward Jack Darling (136) completed the top five.

Sheed recorded his highest finish in the award after 131-games, polling maximum votes in five games and 11 votes in a further two games.

Previously, his best finish was eighth in 2019.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 09: Max Gawn of the Demons competes a throw-in with Nic Naitanui of the Eagles during the 2021 AFL Round 21 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on August 9, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)
Camera IconPERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 09: Max Gawn of the Demons competes a throw-in with Nic Naitanui of the Eagles during the 2021 AFL Round 21 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on August 9, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos) Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

While Gaff cemented himself as one West Coast’s most consistent performers, earning his eighth top-five finish which includes his 2015 victory in a grand final year.

Redden, who was a consistent performer in West Coast’s injury-decimated midfield, finished in the top four despite playing just 18 games while Darling locked up his spot in the top five with a purple patch between rounds five and nine where he polled heavily.

The 29-year-old also won the leading goal-kicker award for the fourth time in his career with 42 goals for the season.

Developing key defender Harry Edwards joined the likes of Jakovich, Glass, Judd, Cousins, Daniel Kerr, Naitanui, Jeremy McGovern after winning the club’s Emerging Talent Award.

Defender Liam Duggan won the Chris Mainwaring Medal for best clubman, pairing his onfield exploits with acts of sportsmanship including trying to jumpstart Richmond’s property truck after the Tigers hit strife earlier this season.

While Josh Kennedy shared the Eagles in the Community Award with staff member Jessy Edmunds.

Kennedy was recognised for his commitment to assisting recovery efforts in the mid-west and his hometown of Northampton which was devastated by Cyclone Seroja earlier in the year.

John Worsfold Medal top 10 1. Nic Naitanui (200 votes) 2. Dom Sheed (160) 3. Andrew Gaff (149) 4. Jack Redden (137) 5. Jack Darling (136) 6. Tim Kelly (129) 7. Jamie Cripps (128) 8. Tom Barrass (123) 9. Tom Cole (119) 10. Oscar Allen (113)

Chris Mainwaring Medal (Best Clubman) Liam Duggan

Emerging Talent Award Harry Edwards

Leading goalkicker Jack Darling (42)

WAFL Eagles Best and Fairest Kieran Hug

Eagles in the Community Award Josh Kennedy, Jessy Edmunds (staff)

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