Co-Sandover Medallist Nik Rokahr says winning the Sandover Medal was a ‘shock’ after a nail-biting count went right down to the wire. 

He, and Claremont midfielder Callan England will share the award in 2024 after polling 19 votes each in an incredibly close count which saw eight players within three votes of each other at the end of the night. 

The Swan Districts midfielder has won this award after delivering a stellar performance in his first year at the club where he averaged 30 disposals and had 76 tackles and 91 marks across the season. 

While becoming a Sandover Medallist was a ‘shock,’ it’s not something he is dwelling on too much at this stage.  

“Once I’m towards the end and hanging up the boots at this level I’ll probably think about it a little bit more,” he told SportFM.  

“When you put it into perspective like that it, it’s a shock really to be honest. You had Will Brodie and Jye Chalcraft up there last night they’re both definitely some of my closest mates. Boydy, one of my old teammates just won the Magarey medal last night as well. 

“It’s good that way at the moment. I think I’ll have to wait a little bit longer before I really let it sit in like that.

It was a nervous final round for Rokahr, who fell short in the SANFL best and fairest – the Magarey medal, last season back when he was at Norwood. 

This time around that wasn’t to be repeated, despite failing to poll in round 21, while England claimed three votes.

Those three votes tied the Claremont and Swan Districts midfielders first place, while East Perth’s Mitch Crowden finished third. 

“It was funny, I think I polled in round one and I didn’t poll until round 11. I thought, I don’t think these guys know my name,” said Rokahr. 

“I thought that’ll be it and then it sort of happened so quickly in that second half of the year. I didn’t get enough time to really let it sink in. 

“I was a little bit nervous on the last round because there have been times in the Magarey where I’ve been kicked in the last round and I knew I wasn’t going to get votes in that last round this year either. 

“Schloithe was maybe the only bloke that could actually take it out and then I knew there was a few boys that could draw with me, which I was pretty stoked to be in that position. 

Rokahr polled in eight matches, including four best on ground performances, while England recorded votes in nine games – three of which produced maximum votes. 

In the 103-year history of the award, there have been 12 occasions in which it has had joint recipients with the last time being in 2005 when Toby McGrath and Jaxon Grabb polled 39 votes each. 

Rokahr has praised his co-recipient for his outstanding season. 

“He’s obviously had a great year, Callan. (I’ve) played against him twice now and he’s good on-ball,” he said.

“He’s got great players around him, it shows. I think he’s had a fantastic year. He’s quick, got good skills, and pushes forward and kicks a goal. 

“He’s a bit of an handful for us at the time. It was the second game we played them and he’s only 24. He’s only got to get better.”

Swan Districts are preparing to host Peel Thunder at Bassendean Oval this weekend as the two sides battle it out for the final spot in the WAFL Grand Final.

IMAGE: Code Sports