Pre-count favourite Joel Cross bolted out of the blocks and was never headed in the 2015 Magarey Medal count.

South Adelaide’s Cross won the medal with 25 votes, four ahead of Woodville West Torrens clearance specialist Angus Rowntree at the Adelaide Oval count last night.

The 2004 winner, Bulldogs veterans Paul Thomas, finished in third place with 20 votes.

Three-time recipient James Allan, unable to find a place in Norwood’s unsuccessful elimination final team, was fourth with 18 votes.

Dashing second-year player from Central District Travis Schiller was fifth with 17 votes.

Cross, who was playing suburban football in Melbourne at 23, was initially contacted by South Adelaide football manager Neill Sharpe via a Facebook message.

After a couple of years and 15 VFL games with the Box Hill Hawks, Cross was having a kick for the Scoresby Magpies in the Eastern Football League, before the approach from the Panthers.

“It has been a fantastic opportunity for me to come over to Adelaide,” Cross said at the press conference after the count.

“South is a fantastic football club and now it is time to break that 52-year drought and win a premiership.

“After played 15 games in the state league (VFL) I felt that may have been beyond me.

“But I wanted to have another crack.”

Cross shared this accolade with former Central District player Brad Symes in 2012, and now becomes the second Panther after club icon Jimmy Deanne to win dual Magarey Medals.

He praised his coach Brad Gotch for his support and encouragement since he arrived at Noarlunga last year.

“He had a great year, and didn’t do a lot wrong,” Gotch said.

“Joel was determined to do his best for the team and rarely quelled.

“Even when he was subdued for little periods of time, Joel found a way to have an impact.

“He has added to his game this year– developing from a predominately inside player to – more of an all-round footballer – able to push forward and kicked goals and carry the ball as well.”

Gotcha warned Cross might have more improvement to come.

“We stepped him up to the role of vice-captain this year.

“Joel has thrived with that responsibility – and he’ll only keep improving.

“There is an underlying story of work ethic about Joel’s success.

“It is a great story for the rank and file footballer about training hard and making the most of your talent.”

Cross played 18 games during the 2015 minor round winning a total of 438 disposals and averaging 24.3 touches per game.

Originally known as am inside player, Cross has added outside run to his game.

Now 28-years-old, Cross is among 10 SANFL footballers to win dual Magarey Medal, following the likes of Andrew Jarman, Damian Squire and Garry McIntosh in the past 30 years.

He followed Frank Barry (1915), Dan Moriarty (1919, 20, 21), Jack Cockburn (1936) Jim Deane (1953, ‘57- retrospective) Mark Naley (1991) and Andrew Osborn (1998) as Panthers to win the SANFL’s top individual award.