MORRISH medallist and TAC Cup Team of the Year ruck-rover Jacob Chisari has one more footy contest to tackle this year.
The Bendigo Bank Pioneers captain has earned selection for this Sunday’s Young Guns match at North Port Oval.
Chisari capped an incredible two seasons with the Pioneers by figuring in an historic four-way tie at Sunday night’s Morrish Medal count for the TAC Cup’s best and fairest.
“It was an amazing night,” Chisari said.
“It’s a great honour to be a Morrish Medal winner. Being in the TAC Cup Team was incredible, and to poll as many votes (16) as I did was amazing.”
Chisari joined Nathan Brown, 1996 winner, as the second Pioneer to earn the medal.
Chisari said sheer hard work on fitness and skills were the key to his on-field success.
“Going into this season I worked more on being a damaging player from the outside of a contest and also inside the forward 50m arc.
“A focus was giving 100 per cent at every training session and match I played in.”
Chisari said he had gained plenty of support from coach David Newett, regional manager Ray Byrne, and all the club’s players and support staff.
His run to medal glory included two votes on six occassions, and being voted best afield in the clash with Murray Bushrangers.
“I thought I had a consistent season, but never believed I would be a chance to win the medal.”
Chisari’s journey to the Pioneers kicked off more than a decade ago with South Mildura’s under-11s.
He relocated to Bendigo at the start of 2012 and started year 11 at Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
“I learnt a lot about time management,” he said of juggling football and study.
His debut TAC Cup season was capped by winning the Neville Strauch Medal as Pioneers club champion.
The footy star said he had “incredible support” from parents Frank and Wendy, and his younger brother, Matthew.
“Mum, dad, or sometimes both travelled from Mildura to every Bendigo Pioneers game.”
This weekend the Chisari family has Jacob playing in the Young Guns game, and Matthew chasing premiership victory with South Mildura under-18s.
Where Jacob Chisari plays next football season is yet to be decided.
He may yet make his way on to an AFL list, a feat many other Pioneers have done over the past 21 years.
MORRISH medallist and TAC Cup Team of the Year ruck-rover Jacob Chisari has one more footy contest to ...
Last Modified on 10/09/2013 14:19
