DARREN MONCRIEFF
Friday, August 19, 2011
HE WAS happy just to play Colts for Subiaco but Fremantle fans can be thankful Antoni Grover set his sights higher.
When he takes his position for the Dockers against North Melbourne this weekend, Grover (pictured) will become Fremantle's first Indigenous footballer to reach the 200-game milestone.
The solid defender has remained a reliable figure in Fremantle's often besieged backline, regularly marking some of the game's best tall forwards. His command of the back six comes with the authority of a big man with presence.
Grover, 31, revealed what it was that has helped him endure 12 seasons in the top flight.
"I think my competitive nature has kept me around; I never liked to be beaten and I like to give my all for my club and myself and that comes from within," he said.
"It's been a long journey. All I wanted to do was get on the Colts list at Subiaco and then I was just as happy to play my first game (for Fremantle) in 1999."
Grover is the only player at Fremantle classified as a veteran on its playing list. He signed a one-year contract extension last year and that ends in October.
"You do start to look at life post-footy at this stage," he said.
"I haven't spoken about another year contract with the club yet. I want to weigh it up at end of the year ... you know, all the clichés ... so we'll just wait and see."
Grover nominated several players he regards as his toughest, and several team-mates who played vital roles in his development.
"Michael Long, in about my first five games (against Essendon), I learnt so much from him, and Matty Richardson, I think he touched me up a bit," he said.
"You try and back yourself against some of the players you've played on over the years; there's been some superstars.
"The players I've looked up to (at Fremantle) were Dale Kickett, Troy Cook, Shane Parker, Peter Bell, Matthew Pavlich, not only in football but life in general."
Of Fremantle's six finals appearances, Grover has played four. While the enigmatic Dockers are perennial under-achievers when it comes to September, it is a tally Grover wants to add to before his time is up.
The next fortnight will tell whether he will get his wish.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 20/08/2011 00:30