EVERGREEN Port Adelaide utility Justin Westhoff says he has to thank his parents and some good luck for his longevity in the game.
At 31, Westhoff is the oldest player on the Power list, but he has shown no signs of slowing down.
“I can probably thank my parents for something, good genes or something like that but there’s no doubt I’ve been lucky with injury and obviously longevity in both footy and at the club,” Westhoff told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I don’t want to jinx myself but the journey has been pretty smooth injury-wise so far, so hopefully that continues for a few more years.”
Playing in a variety of roles from ruck to the wing and up forward, Westhoff is averaging 20.4 disposals, 5.4 marks and 4.7 tackles in 2018.
Those numbers stack up well against his career averages.
In 240 career games, Westhoff averages 16 disposals, 5.7 marks, and 2.8 tackles.
His form has been so strong that he took out the Round 15 Australian Outdoor Living Fans’ MVP for his standout performance against Carlton on Saturday afternoon.
The durable and reliable swingman racked up a telling six marks, seven hit-outs, six rebound 50s, and four tackles to go with 19 disposals and two goals.
He has put his form down to enjoying the game.
“I’ve just been enjoying it over the last eight months with the group we’ve got together at the moment,” Westhoff said.
“There’s obviously a few fresh faces in there, which is good, and it obviously helps when you’re winning and playing good footy over the ground with the guys in good form as well.
“It makes it that much more enjoyable, which is good for me.”
While he has played predominantly as a forward in recent weeks, Westhoff doesn’t have a preference of position anymore, admitting he enjoys the challenge of playing different roles.
“It’s obviously good to be up forward and be in that space but I just enjoy playing a variety of roles,” he said.
“It keeps you in the game and keeps the mind ticking over, which is good for me at my age within the club.
“I’m enjoying that space and hopefully I can keep mixing it up over the next few weeks.”
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