Nik has medal in his kick
SHEPPARTON PREMIERSHIP STAR ROKAHR EARNS ANOTHER HONOUR BEING CROWNED NORWOOD’S BEST
Shepparton product Nik Rokahr capped a stellar season in the SANFL ranks by securing Norwood’s best-and-fairest award on Wednesday night.
Rokahr claimed the Michael Taylor Medal by six votes over former Adelaide star Richard Douglas, with fellow former Bear Harry Boyd finishing seventh in the count.
The Redlegs had a strong season on the field this year before bowing out of the finals race in straight sets, with Rokahr averaging almost 23 disposals a game and leading the club for clearances and inside 50s across the campaign.
“It was a pretty special occasion,” Rokahr said.
“It’s not why you play football, but as disappointing as losing the final was this is as humbling.”
Having completed his second season at Norwood, Rokahr knows how lucky he has been to be able to keep playing state league football throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been hard not being able to get home and see the family, but we’ve been really lucky over here,” he said.
“Apart from a couple of weeks here and there we’ve been free to go about life as normal almost.
“It’s been good having Harry over here as well, he was keen to find an opportunity to keep playing footy.”
Rokahr has also enjoyed developing his midfield craft surrounded by plenty of ex-AFL names.
“Blokes like Richard Douglas, Mitch Grigg, Brad McKenzie, Paul Puopolo — there’s so many great players to learn from,” he said.
“But the best thing is they’re great blokes as well.”
Rokahr is yet to commit to playing in the Northern Territory Football League this summer — he won a premiership with Southern Districts in 2018 — but will head north soon either way.
“I like getting up there, whether I play or not I’m not sure yet,” he said.
“I’m pretty keen to give the body a rest for a bit, but I’ll be up there at some point soon even if it’s just to watch the guys.
“If something comes up down the track I might have a run around.”