By Ben Carbonaro
Dominic Gleeson has been a valuable midfielder contributor for the Werribee Tigers since arriving at Chirnside Park almost six years ago.
The speedy midfielder plays his 100th VFL match against Collingwood on Sunday and it is a great achievement considering it is classed by many as a young man’s competition.
While having struggled with injuries in recent years, he is happy to finally reach the milestone following a number of interrupted seasons.
“I’m 26 now and it’s been a long time coming, got through a few injuries but it’s something that I aim to do at the start and proud to get there finally,” he said.
“I’m not taking it lightly; I think its great achievement and one that everyone should aspire to.”
He was recruited to the Tigers back in 2004 by general manager Mark Penaluna and during that time has developed into a reliable midfielder.
It is the culture that has kept the midfielder at Werribee and much like his home club of Koroit, a small country town in the state’s South West.
“The culture is very similar to where I grew up in Koroit and I always wanted to play somewhere where I could call home,” he said.
“Now I can do that at Werribee. Mark Penaluna got me down there in 2004 and I’m very thankful of him for putting time into me.”
While he is not a player who regular racks up 30-plus possessions each week, he is an important part of a Tigers midfield that features a number of young stars including AFL prospect Michael Rockefeller.
The likes of Rockefeller, Flinn Chisholm and Robbie Castello all form part of a midfield group that is the envy of many opposition clubs.
Gleeson has a lot of respect for both Rockefeller and Chisholm, who along with Gleeson are also products of TAC Cup club Geelong Falcons.
“Without trying to (pass on tips), I suppose I have but they’re two guys who are well advanced in the midfield,” he said.
“They know their footy just as well as I do, but to play alongside those guys who are willing to learn is a great thing.”
He is the nephew of former Carlton champion Adrian and the 26 year-old spent time as a rookie there playing 10 games for the now defunct VFL team.
Despite spending much of his stint there on the sidelines injured, he still learnt a lot when in the AFL environment.
“One thing all the young people aspire (to do) is play AFL footy but the next best thing is VFL footy because you get to play with, alongside and under some of the great players,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some great players along the way that I’ve learnt a fair bit from and hopefully I can pass on some of what they taught me onto the younger guys.”
There’s no doubt that the inspirational skipper and midfielder can reach the 175 game mark (VFL Life Membership) and continued to be fine ambassador for the Tigers.
Last Modified on 06/08/2009 17:03