Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/03/23/neils-the-afls-marathon-man/
Neil's the AFL's marathon man
John Hammond | 23rd March 2010
Neil Upton has been an AFL stalwart, strapping over 18,000 ankles in his 35-year association with the sport.
Jason Dougherty
MAROOCHYDORE North Shore Kangaroos trainer Neil “Uppo” Upton reckons he
has strapped more than 18,000 ankles and used at least 45km of tape in
his 35 seasons with the Coast AFL club.
Neil, the father of 250-game Roos legend Col Upton, said his connection
with the sport started when his son took up the game at school in Banyo
and then with his move to Brisbane club Mayne.
“I was talking to the lady we order the tape from and worked out the
number of games the Roos have played since 1976 and the number of
players I’ve strapped each game,” he said.
“That’s just ankles – I’ve done plenty of shoulders and knees too, so the amount of tape is pretty conservative.”
Unfortunately, after decades of volunteer hours helping injured players
make it on to the field for must-win games, Neil is battling his own,
more immediate health issues. He is on a course of chemotherapy tablets
to curb the spread of malignant melanomas.
The old fighter said he has had a pretty fair innings so far but has no intention of pulling up stumps just yet.
He finds out in two weeks how successful the treatment has been and where he goes from here.
In the meantime Neil is keeping his hand in, strapping the old boys in the over-35s Super Rules team.
“I’m determined to live to 88, the same age as my father, so I’ve got a few seasons left in me yet,” he said.
There’s no holding a good man down, even when he’s crook. Neil’s
expertise was called on to strap players’ ankles before a third grade
pre-season game last week.
Neil has been the ultimate clubman and has held just about every
position in the club in his long association with the Roos, being
awarded life membership way back in 1982.
“Everyone gets paid these days for what they do but I’ve just done it all for the love of the game,” he said.
With confirmation that the Sunshine Coast AFL Hall of Fame will become
a reality this year, Neil Upton would be a worthy nomination on its
initial roll of honour.
And for all you avid AFL tipsters, with the season kicking off this
weekend, check out today’s Daily for the two-page chart to help you run
your own office footy tipping competition in what is sure to be a
fantastic season of on-field action.
Don't miss your AFL tipping chart in the print edition of today's Sunshine Coast Daily
Last Modified on 23/03/2010 10:29