DUAL Sandover medalist and triple premiership player Allistair Pickett is set to play his 150th WAFL game tomorrow, reaching the significant milestone in what is expected to be his final year in football.
Pickett will reach the milestone when he crosses the white line for Subiaco against Swan Districts at Bassendean Oval.
Lions coach Scott Watters this week praised Pickett's impact at Subiaco.
"Ali Pickett has left an indelible print on the Subiaco Football Club," Watters said. "Rarely do players come along that capture the imagination of the supporters the way that Ali has. He is one of those special players that has that little bit of magic."
Pickett returned to play football from not one but two knee reconstructions and went on to achieve just about all there is to achieve in football: three WAFL premierships (2004, 2006, 2007), two Sandover Medals (with 33 votes in 2002 with Peel, and 42 votes in 2004 with Subiaco), one Outridge Medal (2004 Subiaco Football Club fairest-and-best) and three State jumpers (2004, 2005, 2006), Subiaco Team of the Century (1908-2008).
But a true measure of a footballer's ability can be gleaned from what he does on the big stage. The 2007 grand final was where Pickett stood up.
"I'll never forget his impact in the first few minutes of the 2007 grand final," Watters said. "He was at his dynamic best. One hundred and 50 games is a terrific achievement that I’m sure he will be proud of."
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Friday, August 15, 2008
Last Modified on 16/08/2008 00:07