Josh Menz and Taylor Ross, two long time Springwood Pumaâs players, will line up against Burleigh this weekend for their 200th games. This milestone coincides with the Under 18âs last home and away game of the season to be played at Springwoodâs Lowe Oval at 2.00 pm this Sunday before they embark on what looks to be a very competitive finals series.
Taylor, team captain, and Josh who is also a member of the teamâs leadership group, have played together for the Springwood Pumas since Under 8âs. Their enthusiasm and passion for their club also saw them co-coach junior teams for two years. Joshâs abilities were recognised when he was selected to attend the South Eastern Bushrangerâs Under 14 and Under 18 training squads. Both lads have also played several senior football games for the Pumas over the past two seasons.
Fellow teammate Will Sutton also celebrated his 200 game milestone recently. Beginning in the under 8âs, Will was awarded Best Clubman as an Under 12 player, was Under 14âs and 16âs Best & Fairest runner-up and was the co-recipient of the Kevin Duke Perpetual Shield, an award recognising the club's junior players who have demonstrated the greatest potential in football. Representative honours went to Will in the Bushrangers Under 16 Colts team, receiving the Coaches Award and the AFLQ's 2008 Under 18s squad. He also debuted with the Senior Pumas this season.
Their current Pumas Under 18âs coach Nigel Opbroek had this to say â¦â¦
As their coach this year, it has been a privilege and an honour to have been a part of not just one player reaching the milestone of 200 games, that being Taylor, Josh and Will Sutton a couple of weeks ago, but three this year. It is special and rare within a club, and the league, for 3 players from the one club in one year to attain 200 games. Both have been integral players for the Springwood Pumaâs under 18âs. They also have had the honour of having played several senior games as Springwood looks to the future development of such players.
Being new to the club this year, as a coach it is just great to see that a club can be as loyal to its players as the players are to the club, and I congratulate everybody involved, particularly the boys for their achievement. Not only are they three very valuable players, but also are admirable young gentlemen who are very humble about their achievements. On behalf of Springwood Pumas Football Club, we are proud of you, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Last Modified on 05/02/2009 14:12