Campbell Combe wins 2021 R. O Shearman Medal

By ZAC MILBANK

North Adelaide midfielder Campbell Combe has edged out Glenelg’s Luke Partington to win his first R. O Shearman Medal.

The 2020 Magarey Medallist polled 77 votes, two ahead of Partington, who missed the final two rounds with a hamstring strain.

Averaging 26 disposals, six clearances and 10 tackles, the 26-year-old backed up his stunning campaign last year by continuing to earn the respect of SANFL’s coaches in 2021.

Woodville-West Torrens ball magnet James Tsitas (72) and South Adelaide clearance-winner Bryce Gibbs (71) were the other players to surpass 70 votes.

Eagles star Jack Hayes rounded out the top five with 64 votes.

Combe is just the second Rooster to win the R. O Shearman Medal, joining triple Magarey Medallist James Allan.

Allan has dominated the award, claiming a record six R. O Shearman Medals, including one with Sturt’s Jade Sheedy in 2008.

Voted on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis by the SANFL coaches during the minor round, the R. O Shearman Medal voting, including leaderboard, appears weekly on the SANFL website.

The medal is named after five-time Sturt premiership player and SA Football Hall of Fame member Bob Shearman.