Jordan Foote wins 2020 Jack Oatey Medal

By ZAC MILBANK

Jordan Foote’s difference-making second term surge ensured he would streak to victory in earning the 2020 Jack Oatey Medal.

Polling maximum preferences from each of the eight members of the voting panel, the Eagles midfielder tallied a total of 24 votes to finish ahead of teammates Jimmy Toumpas on 11 and Angus Poole on five.

A fourth-generation member of his family to play with the club, Foote ensured his legacy would match that of his great-grandfather Edwin, who played in West Torrens’ 1933 premiership.

The 24-year-old’s grandfather John and father David also proudly donned the yellow sash with West Torrens before Foote joined the club at the start of last year.

Now adding a Premiership and Jack Oatey Medal to his Club Champion award in 2019, Foote said he would relish sharing his special performance with his parents and grandfather, who became understandably emotional after the final siren.

Foote, a former Sydney Swan, was close to leaving Oval Avenue at the end of last year but will now take some time to think about his next move in terms of staying with the Eagles in 2021.

Coach Jade Sheedy jokingly declared during the interview that Foote ”was staying” and rightly so considering he finished with 24 disposals, five marks and seven clearances to go with his game-breaking four goals.