SANFL
• Glenelg: 1976 to mid 1980
• South: 1980 to mid 1981
GSFL
• Encounter Bay: 1981 - 84
• A Grade B&F: 1982 & 83
SAAFL
• Scotch O.C: 1985 to 1990, & 1994
• A Grade B/F: 1985 & 1986
• 1985-99 Scotch All Stars Team
• Division 9 SAAFL Medalist: 1994
• C Grade B&F: 1994
Representative Football
• All Australian U16s
• All Australian Amateur 1985
• SAAFL State Representative - 1985 & 86
• SAAFL Team of the 80s
Jimmy: How did a bloke from Glenelg & South end up in an eastern suburbs Old Collegians club?
PJ: I played SANFL from 1976 to mid 1981 when a mate of mine; Chris Hercock asked me to play for Encounter Bay in the GSFL. I needed somewhere in the city to train. Sandy Nelson was the coach of Scotch and said I could train there if I played for Scotch when I came back to city football. I came back in 1985 and honoured that promise. I’m a man of honour Jimmy.
Jimmy: Wouldn’t have been any difference in pay, I suppose?
PJ: I was earning $250 per game at the Bay, and nothing at Scotch, in fact had to pay 5 bucks to play.
Jimmy: You’re kidding – $250 - that was 1984!!
PJ: Don’t tell the taxman. I went to Scotch and played for nothing, but it was a great club and I made longstanding mates. I was also setting up Goldsborough Financial Group and Scotch was a great business environment. As you know, we Scotch boys still get together for any reason possibly known to mankind.
Jimmy: You seemed to go missing after 1986. Still sulking?
PJ: I stuffed my back in 1986 and thought it was all over, but Mike Richter kept hounding me to play, so I kept coming back for more over the next 4 years. I just couldn’t give it away.
Jimmy: In 1994, you made a comeback and played C Grade in A9, winning the A9 medal. Were you chasing easy kicks…a premiership…a gong…or did Deb just say get out of the house every Saturday?
PJ: All of the above… Iggies beat us in the GF though – More of the bast****
Jimmy: How many premierships have you won?
PJ: I was in 2 junior premiership sides within 6 days, but lost 7 senior Grand Finals including 1977 against Port by 8 points. (J: at least I’ve got one)
Jimmy: You’re about 6’3”. What was your best playing weight and what’s the most you’ve ever benched?
PJ: Probably around the 90+kgs and I lifted 300lbs. But I lift around 400lbs now Jimmy – usually carrying you out of a bar somewhere in the world (Jimmy: and your moneybags PJ)
Jimmy: Getting onto that subject, what are you doing now? Work / family / sport?
PJ: I set up AFCC; a career outplacement service in 1996 and the AIOFP in 1998. Both are enjoyable - at least I’m honest about the junkets Jimmy. Deb and I have been married for 19 years and have 2 lads; AJ & My left knee and back are totally f****** so I really just go to the gym & play some tennis.
Jimmy: In 2005, you tackled Kokoda – how’d you go?
PJ: We did it in 5 1/2 days – it was the most intensive and hardest exercise I’ve ever done. Worse than any pre-season. I trained for 6 months but it still hurt. Good fun though and I'm glad i did it.
Jimmy: In 1984, you sued a player following an on-field incident in a game against Myponga.
PJ: There is a line that shouldn’t be crossed. I copped a smashed cheekbone with an elbow and had to wear a protective helmet for the rest of my career and have reduced feeling in the left side of my face. The Court decision set a precedent for violence in sport.
Jimmy: OK, a current topic. What colour boots would you wear these days if you were still playing? You were a mug lair on the field – I would have thought bright shiny gold with beautiful blue laces.
PJ: Black Adidas with 3 white stripes, Jimmy – I wasn’t a lair..........
Jimmy: Pick a player ? best and/or most skilful and/or hardest?
PJ: Kym Smith, Bill Botten ? the best allrounder???..BUT??..I use to beat him???? .ha!
