It was just two weeks ago we were talking about how 250 games takes a lot of commitment to play. Imagine then how many years you need to play competitive footy to reach the mark of 300 club games. That was the achievement Paul Netting reached when he ran out on the ground for third grade on the weekend.
According to the parchment scrolls we dug out of the basement at the footy club, Netto started playing senior footy for the club in 1991. Think about that for a moment - there are blokes running around at the moment who were not even alive then. It kind of goes to show the commitment of the bloke that he has been playing for 19 years - his love for the game and the club is still clearly evident for anyone who watches (or listens more accurately!)
Netto has played games in all grades. He has been an assistant coach. He has won awards. He has fallen over running through his 300 game banner. He has won premierships. He has lost premierships. Most importantly he has been a board member and is active again on that front this year. It is blokes like him who keep the club running - putting in as much off the field as on it. It was great to see his team mates dig deep on the weekend and pull out a hard fought win for him - even gifting him a couple of goals, taking his all time tally to 12.
There are three players who have reached 300 games for Belconnen Magpies. it's a fantastic achievement and one on which he should be congratulated. The question now arises - will he stick around for season 20 and have a crack at the club record, or will he go out on a high this year with a premiership medal around his neck. Only time will tell.
Some of Nettos stats include:
First played for Belconnen Magpies: 1991 U19's
Premiership player: 1992
1st Grade debut: 1994
1st Grade Best and Fairest winner:
1994 Club and League Best 1st year player: 1994
ACT Representative player: 1997 & 1998
1998 2nd Grade Grand Final player:
2000 1st Grade Grand Final player:
2001 1st Grade Premiership player:
2002 2nd Grade Premiership player:
2003 3rd Grade Grand Final player:
Games
1st Grade games: 135
2nd Grade Games: 99
3rd Grade Games: 40
U19's Games: 26
Last Modified on 11/06/2010 10:45