‘UNDERSIZED RUCKMAN’ BECOMES THE COMPETITION’S BEST

2019 was another special year for Delahunty in more ways than one. It capped off a fourth flag in the chapter of his career, but also marked a shift in the eyes of the competition. After spending 2018 as a centre half-forward, Zac Clarke’s recruitment at Essendon meant a move back to the ruck was on the cards. Delahunty averaged 27 disposals, 17 hit outs, and six marks per game, and kicked 15 goals across the season. His form was rewarded with a Sandover Medal, where he polled 28 votes to take out the honour.

“It’s definitely something I’m extremely proud of. As the years go on, it’s something I’ll look back on with a lot of pride because there’s a lot of history behind the medal. If you look at some of the people who have also won it, I feel very much like a duck out of water when I compare myself.”

Delahunty was the first ruckman to win the Sandover since Ryan Turnbull in 2001. The surprise of the occasion was felt, as he was late to the award ceremony along with teammate Leigh Kitchin. He was sure Kyal Horsely was going to be the recipient, and it looked to be true with one round to go. However, Delahunty polled the maximum votes in the final round after a 32 possession performance, pipping his teammate by just one on the night. Such is his character, he felt Horsely, Kitchin, or forward Ben Sokol were more deserving of the honour than himself. He said despite it being an individual honour, it was reflective of the team at the time.

“That award was because of the family I was involved within the football club. It’s not an individual award as such. I believe it’s a true representation of the team you play with. But that award is and always will be shadowed by premierships, the people I played with, by the memories and stories I’ll take from playing footy.”
 
An even more remarkable twist in the journey is the 2019 Sandover Medallist didn’t regard his winning year as his best in the competition. His 2018 season up forward is one he regarded as his finest. All because of the role he was tasked to play.

“Centre half-forward is the hardest position to play. I hated playing there, and I never wanted to play there. When I came to Subi in 2014, I was told I’d be playing on a wing which excited me, and then round one, what the team needed was centre half-forward, and I’m like, ‘how did I get myself here?’ You typically get the best defender each week. Imagine playing on Jordan Lockyer every week, that’s not fun for anyone. I felt like I had a really consistent year. It’s not one that’s going to stick out for a lot of people, but personally, I was extremely proud of my efforts that season. Playing in a position I’ve never felt that comfortable with or felt like I was extremely well suited to.”