Jack Cook wins 2025 McCallum Tomkins Medal

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens’ Jack Cook has held on to earn the 2025 McCallum Tomkins Medal despite making just seven SANFL U18 appearances this season.

The first Eagle since Kai Pudney in 2018 to land the SANFL U18 Best and Fairest trophy, Cook burst out of the blocks to poll his total of 19 votes by the end of Round 7.

He attracted votes in all of his matches for the Eagles, including six first preferences to edge out Sturt’s Jett Dahlitz on 16 votes and South’s Kodah Edwards on 15.

Averaging an outstanding 31.1 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, Cook also racked up 5.3 clearances and 7.1 tackles per game in 2025.

The son of former Central District and North Adelaide rover Tim, Cook didn’t feature again in the minor round for the Eagles at U18 level after acting as vice-captain for the SA U18s title-winning outfit and playing in the club’s Hostplus SANFL League team.

Recruited from the Port District Football Club, Cook is the third Eagles player – joining Pudney and Paul Ventura (2013) – to win the McCallum Tomkins Medal since its inception in 2009.

Prior to 2009, the McCallum Medal was awarded to the best-and-fairest U17 player and the Tomkins Medal was awarded to the best-and-fairest U19 player.