Nunga happy to be part of Centrals juggernaut
ELIJAH WARE has an acute sense of football history.
Hours after his side Central District won the 2008 SANFL Grand Final on Sunday, their seventh from nine successive grand finals, the one-time Port Adelaide Power player pondered the one medal that has eluded Nungas.
Ware won his third senior SANFL premiership medal after the Bulldogs disposed of challengers Glenelg by 43 points at AAMI Stadium.
In premiership terms, Ware is the most successful Nunga in the cub's history. He has cemented his spot in the Bulldogs' senior line-up and is one of only three Aboriginal players to have won a flag with the club, all achieved this decade.
Speaking after week-long celebrations, well-practiced by the successful club, Ware said this grand final win was his most satisfying.
"You can never get used to winning premierships, they're always good," he said.
"It was more satisfying, this one. The reserves premiership I won (in 2003) was a lot of fun ... during this season no-one thought we'd make it so this one was just more satisfying for me."
What would give Ware more satisfaction, alongside a premiership medal, would be a Jack Oatey medal for best player in a SANFL grand final. No Aboriginal player has won the medal in the SANFL's history and Ware doesn't care if it's him or someone else, so long as it's a Nunga fella.
"Blackfellas have won SANFL premierships before but none have won the Jack Oatey (medal)," he said.
"I was thinking about this after the game. It's a big thing. If I can achieve it, that would be great but so long as a Nunga can win it one day, that's the main thing."
Ware, who played on a wing and as a leading forward, was a solid contributor to his side's win over Glenelg. He was one of six players who accumulated 25 or more possessions and he gave off a few passes for goal.
"I think I was pretty consistent throughout; I was getting a touch every couple of minutes and found a lot of space which is always good in a grand final," he said.
Centrals weren't the form side this season. Ironically, that team was Glenelg, which ended the season as minor premiers. But this crop of Bulldogs knows all about finals. The premiership equalled that of legendary club Port Adelaide's seventh in a decade (1951-1959). Another next season and that record's Centrals.
Ware said his two-year stay with AFL club Port Power had stood him in good stead to become a regular at senior level in the SANFL, and in such a strong club, despite having suffered a severe injury.
"The knee reco I had really set me back (at Port) but at SANFL level things are a bit more relaxed," he said.
"You're on an AFL list and it just makes you feel mentally stronger, no different, just stronger with a bit more confidence about yourself.
"My dream was to see if I could play just one game of AFL and kick one goal, and I achieved that.
Ware, 25, has almost completed his carpentry apprenticeship, which he has completed with Centrals team-mates, the Gowans twins, Chris and James.
"Yeah, it's like I'm joined at the hip with them," Ware said, "and it's a wonder they ask why I never have a drink with them!"
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Friday, October 10, 2008
Last Modified on 10/10/2008 22:33