Snelling and Boyd join SANFL greats on Magarey Grove

By ZAC MILBANK

It wasn’t your conventional Magarey Grove ceremony at Adelaide Oval, but the occasion was still a memorable one for 2024 additions Will Snelling and Harry Boyd.

While Sturt ball magnet Snelling was able to attend in person, it was a very different story for Norwood ruckman Harry who sent through a touching video message from his new AFL club St Kilda.

Officially signed last month by the Saints, Boyd expressed his honour in having his name etched in SANFL history alongside Snelling.

The pair became the first joint winners of SANFL’s fairest and most brilliant individual trophy since South Adelaide’s Bryce Gibbs and Eagle James Tsitas shared honours in 2021.

Snelling, who was joined by family and his Double Blues coach Marty Mattner, was equally thrilled to have his name alongside Boyd given their extreme mutual respect for each other.

Speaking to the media after being introduced by SA Football Commission Chairman Rob Kerin, Snelling said it was fitting the pair shared the prestigious award given how dominant they were in 2024.

And the 27-year-old – who is set to embark on a medicine degree – hinted that his role could change slightly in 2025 as Sturt seeks to rotate its midfield more regularly with the addition of returning pair Mitch Crowden and Marty Frederick.

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.