The AFL Players Association has revealed Justin Westhoff as a nominee for the 2020 Madden Medal, as announced via aflplayers.com.au on Thursday morning.

The Madden Medal is awarded to the retiring player who best demonstrates on-field excellence, personal development and growth, as well as community spirit over the course of his playing career, and is named after two former AFLPA Presidents, Simon and Justin Madden.

Drafted with pick no. 71 in the 2006 National Draft, Justin Westhoff became a much-loved figure at Port Adelaide.

Westhoff made a name for himself as a versatile swingman during his 280-game career, playing across the forward-line, in defence and the ruck.

After playing multiple roles throughout his career, Westhoff was rewarded in 2018 winning the Power’s best-and-fairest at age 32.

Westhoff was well-liked among his peers and considered an important member of the football club, including playing an integral role in the club’s rebuild and consequent 2020 resurgence

While currently studying his Diploma in Building Design Justin has also had a long-standing commitment to community engagement and service as an Ambassador for the Hutt Street Centre, which aims to end homelessness and provide hope and opportunity for people to rebuild their lives without judgment.

Justin regularly volunteers his time in the Hutt Street meal centre, preparing and serving meals along with spending valuable time with those who are facing homelessness.  He has also encouraged his younger teammates to join him, exposing them to an issue impacting many thousands of Australians.

Justin also supports major fundraising events such as the annual Walk a Mile in My Boots which aims to generate $200,000 each year to support the 6000 people experiencing homelessness in South Australia.

As a result of COVID-19, the 2020 Walk a Mile in My Boots was held in a modified virtual format.  Justin was instrumental in promoting and supporting the event which engaged 7000 people across Australia raising $600,000 – almost double that of previous years.

In 2017, Justin launched Forage Supply Co. which promotes environmental change and sustainability.  Through Forage Supply Co. Justin is educating children through schools to learn to grow healthier produce, eat seasonally and live sustainably through school-based community gardens.

Westhoff has also recently returned to Port Adelaide in a development role to help nurture the talented players coming through the club’s Next Generation Academies.

So far Westhoff has been joined by former Geelong star Gary Ablett Jnr as a Madden Medal nominee, with further nominations to be announced via aflplayers.com.au and the AFLPA's social media channels this week, before the overall winner is announced at the end of next week.

Justin Westhoff

ON-FIELD ACHIEVEMENT:

• 280 games
• 2007 Rising Star nominee
• Gavin Wanganeen Medal (PAFC best player under 21) (2007)
• Showdown Medal (2011)
• John Cahill Medal (Best & Fairest) (2018)

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• AFL Level 2 Coach
• Certificate in Player Development and Welfare
• Diploma in Building Design

COMMUNITY SPIRIT:

• Forage Supply Co – Co-founder
• Forage Built – Co-founder
• Hutt Street Centre Ambassador

OFF-FIELD ACHIEVEMENT:

• PAFC Life Member
• PAFC Leadership group