When Gary “Gazza” Wallace takes the field against the Caloundra Panthers it will be the 200th time that he has played Senior (first grade) football for the Noosa Tigers. Gazza will be the fifth player to achieve this milestone; the others being “Buster” Bunney (327), “Angel” Duke (playing his 256th game on the same day), Aaron “AJ” Jaques (255) and Brian Fox (200).
Gary started with the Noosa Tigers in 1994 playing in the Under 11’s and during his seven years as a junior he notched up many achievements including:
- Multiple Best and Fairest awards both at club and SCJAFL level;
- Multiple Sunshine Coast Schoolboys and SCJAFL representative
Gazza, at 17½, was one of a number of young players selected by 2003 coach Terry Canavan to debut for the Tigers Senior side.
Gazza played senior football with the Noosa Tigers until 2013 when he travelled down the Bruce Highway to play a year with Caboolture (now Moreton Bay) where he picked up the Best and Fairest trophy.
We went through some copies of the “Yellow Books” (year books) from Gary’s junior years to see what he was like back in the day. Here are a few selections.
1994 (U11s) “What can I say about this guy? A sure bet for a Brownlow Medal in the future.” – Alby Hancock.
1996 (U12s) “Another boy who had a slow start but turned it around mid season with some great games. Eats, breathes and sleeps footy and has a great knack of getting where the ball is. Expecting a big year in 1997.” – Rob Wallace
1997 (U12s) “Gary had a great season, one of the smallest players in the side but has a heart the size of a football. He was always prepared to go in and get the hard ball and you could always find him at the bottom of the pack. A very strong mark and good kick.” –Peter Jeffery
1998 (U14s) "Gaz has become an institution for Noosa Juniors. He never stops trying to give his best. Has played all over the place and handled all positions well. Reads the game well, is a good mark, has courage and is football smart. Could work harder on the training track but that will come next year.” – Dennis Johnson
2000 (U16s) “A good first season in this age group one of our many players not big in size but huge in heart and guts. Very opular with all his teammates. A very handy player in and around packs. If not a Bomber supporter a coaches delight” - Gunny
Last Modified on 01/08/2016 10:58