THERE'S no time like the first time - Matt Walsh knows that.
But as the veteran Cairns Saints forward closes in on his fourth 100-goal season, he can’t help notice something a little different.
"I’m 32 years old," he said.
"I’m supposed to be past it."
Walsh could be forgiven for thinking his days of kicking the ton in a season were a distant memory.
The last time he produced the milestone was 2008, the third year in a row he achieved the feat.
The next three years were so hampered by injury and personal disappointment that he had virtually given up on once again entering that hallowed territory.
But here he is, with four games remaining and just nine goals separating him from 100 goals.
And still Walsh struggles to come to grips with it.
"When you are preparing for the season, you never plan to score 100-goals – it’s just too difficult," he said.
"It’s obviously something that you want to do, but realistically it’s not something you can set a goal towards. Especially at my age."
It’s a subject he has avoided thinking about for most of the season.
Other players have brought it up, but Walsh has never engaged in the discussion.
That was until recently when the 100th goal loomed so large in his mind’s eye, it couldn’t be avoided.
"The first century in ’06 was obviously very special, but to get it when I’m 32 and I never thought I would achieve this milestone again – that’s very special," he said, before catching himself.
"But I haven’t done anything yet. I don’t even know if I will make it."
It would take a large dose of hard luck to slow Walsh’s momentum.
This season he has averaged 7.5 goals per game and against Port Douglas – his opponent tomorrow – he has scored nine and eight goals in the previous two encounters.
Any attempt to slow Walsh would create more chances for Nick Gill and Alex Macqueen, who rank second and fourth on the goalscorers tally. So a fourth 100-goal season seems inevitable, even if Walsh isn’t willing to admit it.
Last Modified on 25/09/2012 10:48