Harry Grant forever etched on Magarey Grove
Harry Grant is now starting to grasp SANFL’s rich history after unveiling his plaque on Magarey Grove at Adelaide Oval.
Central District’s seventh Magarey Medallist, Grant was feted in a ceremony on Monday morning which included his parents, siblings and friends who travelled from as far as Canberra to share the special occasion.
Bulldogs Magarey Medallists Gary Window (1965) and Grant’s League coach Paul Thomas (2004) were also on hand to welcome Grant to the treasured path of illustrious greats of South Australian football.
”To see so many family and friends travel all this way for me is really special,” Grant said.
”It has sunk in a little bit but you can’t comprehend the names you are sitting next to now, especially when you look at all the other names on the plaques before me.
”Being so young, I guess when I am older and have a family of my own, it will be pretty special to show them one day. It is unbelievable.”
Central District connections at Harry Grant’s Magarey Grove plaque unveiling (L to R) – Jim Dixon (Player Sponsor), Jeff Brown (Assistant Coach), David Cavenett (President), Greg Edwards (CEO), Gary Window (1965 Magarey Medallist), Harry Grant, Mark Ross (Football Manager), Paul Thomas (Senior Coach). Picture – Peter Argent
Originally from Canberra club Queanbeyan Tigers, Grant has now played a total of 45 Hostplus SANFL League games since making his debut in 2021.
Featuring in just seven League matches in 2022 – chiefly due to persistent injuries – the former GWS Academy player has quickly forged a reputation as one of the competition’s leading midfielders in 2023.
Grant also claimed honours in the 2023 R. O Shearman Medal as voted by SANFL coaches and the 2023 SANFL Now Player of the Year Award, adjudged by the commentators.
Averaging 26 disposals and seven clearances last year, the Bulldogs’ No.10 was a driving force behind his team’s return to the major round for the first time since 2017.
And now the 22-year-old is hungry for more as he is pushed to higher standards at training by Woodville-West Torrens recruit Kai Pudney.
”I’m feeling really, really good and we’ve had a lot of good blokes come into the footy club who have pushed me to get better as well,” Grant said.
”I’m quite a fit bloke but we’ve got blokes who have come in who are fitter than me like Kai Pudney.
”He has pushed me this preseason and got me into better nick than I was in last year by raising the bar and finding ways to get better.”
2023 Magarey Medallist Harry Grant''Being so young, I guess when I am older and have a family of my own, it will be pretty special to show them one day. It is unbelievable.''
Magarey Grove, located outside the northern entrance to Adelaide Oval, is a tree-lined tribute to the winners of the Magarey Medal – Australian football’s oldest and longest awarded medal.
Brought to life by former SANFL president Max Basheer AM and former City of Charles Sturt Mayor, the late John Dyer AM, the original Magarey Grove was established in 1988 along West Lakes Boulevard adjacent to South Australia’s home of football for 40 years, Football Park.
Following the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and subsequent sale of Football Park, SANFL worked closely with the City of Charles Sturt and Adelaide City Council to relocate Magarey Grove, which was officially opened at Adelaide Oval in 2018.
Harry Grant’s new Magarey Grove plaque. Picture – Peter Argent
