Justin Westhoff
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth | October 1, 1986, |
| Recruited from | Central Districts / SANFL |
| Height and weight | 199cm / 89kg |
| Playing career¹ | |
| Debut | June 3, 2007, Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn, at AAMI Stadium |
| Team(s) | Port Adelaide (2007-)
14 games, 33 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of the 2007 season | |
| Career highlights | |
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Justin Westhoff, commonly referred to as "The Hoff", is a footballer currently playing for the Port Adelaide Football Club in the AFL. He also plays for Central Districts in the SANFL. He is the older brother of Matthew Westhoff, who also plays for the Power and Central Districts.
Westhoff was selected by Port Adelaide in the 2006 draft using their fifth round pick, being the 71st pick overall.[1]
Westhoff was recruited to play as a ruckman for Port Adelaide, but has consolidated himself as a key Forward.
Contents |
[edit] Port Adelaide career
[edit] 2007
When drafted into the Power, Westhoff's appointed player-mentor was skipper Warren Tredrea.[2]
On April 17 Westhoff was controversially suspended for two games for high contact on North Adelaide captain Darryl Wintle during Central District's 7 goal defeat of the Roosters in Round 1 of the SANFL. The suspension effectively prevented him from playing for three weeks, as Central Districts had a bye during that period.
On June 3 Westhoff's consistent goal kicking dominance at local level saw him make his AFL debut for Port Adelaide against Hawthorn. In an eventful debut he performed strongly, booting three goals (including 2 from his first 2 kicks) to become the first Power player to register a trio of majors on debut. Westhoff was also reported for charging the Hawks' Clinton Young in the last quarter, however this was later dismissed by the match review panel, as they deemed the contact unintentional and unavoidable.[3]
Westhoff had his career best game against the West Coast Eagles in round 15 on July 14 kicking 4 goals, including 2 from contested marks on reigning All-Australian full back Darren Glass. Power coach Mark Williams praised the performance by calling his forward line work 'brilliant'.[4] Westhoff's performance was further recognised with the AFL rising star nomination for Round 15.[5]
Westhoff's strong season ended up in him finishing 4th in the 2007 AFL Rising Star competition gathering a total of 10 votes. He was also recognised with the Gavin Wanganeen Medal and the Best First Year Player award at the Power's club champion venue, even though he went AWOL in the most important game of the year.
Westhoff played in Port Adelaide's losing AFL grand final side of 2007 at the MCG.
[edit] Cult status
Justin Westhoff is tall and slightly built, yet takes strong marks overhead. Commentator Dennis Cometti lightheartedly noted in the 2007 clash against Geelong at Kardinia Park, 'Westhoff looks like he couldn't bench-press his own socks' and in the 2007 Qualifying Final versus West Coast, 'just imagine next year; he'll actually have shoulders'.
His debut season has endeared him to Power fans, and already has a number of nicknames. He is regularly referred to by Power fans as 'The Hoff' (a nod to actor David Hasselhoff).
His untidy hair and face also bear an uncanny resemblance to actor Jon Heder, resulting in the second nickname Napoleon.
[edit] References
- Notes
- ^ M. Lovett (ed.), AFL Record Guide To Season 2007, AFL Publishing, Melbourne, 2006, p. 448. ISBN 978-0-9758362-7-9
- ^ K. Gill, 'Westhoff Walks Tall in High Company', Official Website of the Port Adelaide Football Club, 27 March 2007. Accessed 25 July 2007.
- ^ 'Westhoff charge withdrawn', Official Website of the Port Adelaide Football Club, 4 June 2007. Accessed 26 July 2007.
- ^ A. Capel, 'Port's baby-face of the future', 16 July 2007, AdelaideNow. Accessed 26 July 2007.
- ^ 'Westhoff wins Rising Star nomination', 17 July 2007, Sydney Morning Herald. Accessed 26 July 2007.
[edit] External links
- Justin Westhoff profile on the Official AFL Website of the Port Adelaide Football Club
- Justin Westhoff's statistics from AFL Tables
| Port Adelaide Football Club – current squad |
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1 Tredrea • 3 Salopek • 4 D. Motlop • 5 Lade • 6 Thomson • 7 P. Burgoyne • 8 S. Burgoyne • 9 Surjan • 10 Boak • 11 M. Motlop • 12 Lonie • 13 Farmer • 14 Stewart • 15 Rodan • 16 Pearce • 17 Gray • 18 K. Cornes • 19 Williams • 20 Brogan • 21 Wilson • 22 Bentley • 23 Lobbe • 24 White • 25 Cassisi • 26 Lower • 27 Carlile • 28 Thurstans • 29 Krakouer • 30 Chaplin • 31 Minson • 32 Thomas • 33 Ebert • 34 Cockshell • 35 C. Cornes • 36 Pettigrew • 37 Deluca • 38 Giles • 39 J. Westhoff • 40 M. Westhoff • 41 Willits* • 42 Grose* • 43 Boyle* • 44 Logan • 45 Salter* • Coach: Williams * denotes Rookie Listed players |
