AS Port Adelaide prepares to crown its 2020 club champion at next Thursday’s Best and Fairest count, portadelaidefc.com.au looks at the contenders to take home the John Cahill Medal.
How the voting works: Following the completion of each game, the panel of Senior Coach Ken Hinkley, Senior Assistant Michael Voss, each player’s respective line coach and General Manager – Football Chris Davies cast their votes. Each player’s performance is rated between 0-5, with a maximum of 20 and minimum of zero votes awarded per player, per game.
John Cahill Medal Contender – Tom Jonas
Tom Jonas took on the famous number one jumper in 2020 and much of his side’s rise to the top of the AFL ladder can be put down to the former rookie’s growth as Port’s standalone skipper.
Jonas maintained his trademark uncompromising and tough style of play while also continuing to develop as a leader and his dedication to playing his role and consistency throughout the year is sure to draw votes from the selectors.
The physical defender’s numbers don’t jump off the page. In fact his 10.8 disposals per game was the third lowest return of his career and fewest since the 2012 season. However, he not only led the Power in one-percenters by a wide margin with 136 – 44 ahead of second – he also finished top 5 in the AFL as well as landing inside the top 10 in the competition for intercepts, all while captaining the AFL’s most miserly backline.
The 29-year-old also proved an ironman in Ken Hinkley’s side, playing every game in 2020 and spending the fourth-most time on ground in the AFL.
Jonas’ no-nonsense football has long been appreciated by the Port Adelaide faithful, but his exploits as a player and leader were also recognised by the wider AFL community with his selection in the All-Australian Squad of 40, following nominations in 2017 and 2018.
He put in a commendable shift in his first season wearing the number one and has a second (2018) and third (2017) placed finish already under his belt. Could TJ claim his first John Cahill Medal in Port Adelaide’s 150th anniversary season?
Three of the best:
Round 6 vs GWS
With Port Adelaide searching for a response to its first loss of the season, Jonas stood tall to ensure his side got over the line against the Giants. GWS challenged, but the Power took home the points in large part thanks to its captain’s 16 disposals and 11 intercepts. He even snuck forward to nearly boot the second goal of his career.
Round 7 vs Carlton
Jonas was an influential figure in Port’s remarkable win over the Blues at the Gabba. The captain collected a season-high 20 disposals and proved to be a wall in defence with 10 one-percenters and nine marks, his final clunk kick-starting the chain that led to Robbie Gray’s incredible goal after the siren.
Qualifying Final vs Geelong
Port Adelaide ended its drought without a finals win with a convincing victory over Geelong. Jonas played an immense role in restricting Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins’ looks on goal and finished with 13 disposals, seven rebound 50s and eight one-percenters.
