Rokahr’s Road to 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

It’s hard to picture Nik Rokahr as a dour small defender. 

But as Norwood’s dual Michael Taylor Medallist approaches his 100th Hostplus SANFL League game on Saturday, he reflected on how it all began at The Parade upon his arrival in 2020.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 30-year-old knew he would have to initially bide his time in the back half as the Redlegs boasted a star-studded midfield group which included Mitch Grigg, Matthew Nunn, Richard Douglas and Ryan Bastinac.

Norwood’s No.9 didn’t have to wait long to get his opportunity though, as he vividly recalled it came against Woodville-West Torrens the following season when injury struck.

The natural ball magnet hasn’t been shifted from the centre square since, for good reason, as he has established himself as one of the most consistent on-ballers in the competition.

Spending the majority of his junior career at the Shepparton Bears in Victoria, Rokahr spent the majority of his time across the border forging himself as a midfielder.

His time with the Bears culminated in a senior premiership in 2018, which he shared with current Norwood premiership teammate Harry Boyd.

Boyd would follow Rokahr to Woods Street a year later in 2021, and the pair relished playing in the Redlegs’ memorable 2022 triumph which came after a one-point trimph against North Adelaide.

A one-year stint with Swan Districts in the WAFL gave Rokahr a different perspective on State League football but his prolific ball-winning didn’t relent as he claimed the 2024 Sandover Medal.

The stress of not knowing if he would be released to play in the SANFL the following year took its toll on Rokahr and his family, as he paid tribute to former CEO James Fantasia and current CEO Richard Kelly for their support in gaining a clearance.

Now the Legs veteran is refreshed with a clear mind as he seeks to enjoy his milestone match in the heart of the club’s regional zone, Port Lincoln’s Centenary Oval, on Saturday.