Tom Lewis forever etched on Magarey Grove
Sturt's Tom Lewis at Magarey Grove with his family from left to right - sister Brigette, sister Meaghan, dad Michael and mum Maureen. Picture - David Mariuz
By ZAC MILBANK
Sturt’s Tom Lewis is ”just trying to embrace it and let it all sink in” after unveiling his name among SANFL’s superstars honoured along Magarey Grove at Adelaide Oval.
Joined by close family and Double Blues coach Marty Mattner, the 2025 Magarey Medallist was quick to reflect on what it meant to have his own plaque nestled outside the northern entrance.
”It will be pretty cool (one day) to walk down with the kids and for them to put their name there and say that’s me,” Lewis said with a grin.
Sturt champion John Halbert, who won the Magarey Medal in 1961, was present to share Lewis’ moment, giving the 25-year-old an insight into the company he now rests within.
”I just had a good chat to him then,” Lewis said of Halbert.
”He’s a ripper bloke and he had a pretty illustrious career too, so if I can achieve half that I will be doing all right.”
Sturt’s Tom Lewis unveils his plaque with SA Football Commission Deputy Chair Nicole Haack. Picture – David Mariuz
Widely-tipped by rival coaches to claim SANFL’s most prestigious individual crown, Lewis polled maximum votes in five consecutive matches en route to landing a significant tally of 33.
Named vice-captain in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, Lewis’ outstanding campaign was also reflected in him winning the R.O Shearman Medal as voted by the coaches, The Advertiser Player of the Year Award and the SANFL Now Player of the Year Award.
Lewis, who polled Magarey votes in 13 of his 18 appearances this season, tallied a total of eight first preferences, four second preferences and one third preference.
He averaged 25.8 disposals, 7.4 clearances and 8.4 tackles as he regularly flexed his muscle at the centre stoppages for the record-breaking Double Blues.
Originally from the Meningie Football Club, now known as Coorong Cats, Sturt’s No.2 has displayed great resilience after overcoming serious injury at various junctures in his blossoming career.
The West End State representative suffered a life-threatening ruptured spleen in 2022 after undergoing a knee reconstruction in 2019, having been overlooked in the 2018 AFL National Draft.
Sturt’s Tom Lewis shares a laugh with fellow Double Blues Magarey Medallist John Halbert, who won the award in 1961. Picture – David Mariuz
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.
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