Surrey Park Football Club’s James Wright ran out for game 300 in May of this year, in what has been one of the most unique and challenging of football journeys. The EFNL decided to formally recognise Jimmy's contribution to Surrey, the EFNL and footy in general by awarding him Life membership at the end of the 2019 season.
Joining the junior club in 1996, Wright would later transition into the senior club which he would serve with the utmost loyalty and distinction across two decades.
Wright captained the Panthers’ under-18 outfit to a premiership in 1999, before featuring in the club’s reserves flag in 2004 – finishing third at the conclusion of the home and away season, toppling minor-premier Kilsyth by 37 points in the decider. Jimmy was also an integral part of the Reserves team ln 2019 that won the 2019 Division 4 Grand Final, running out deserved winners by 23 points over ladder leader East Burwood.
It would however be his two-year stint as club captain which would test and ultimately prove the undying loyalty of Wright to Surrey Park, whereby the club would begin its descent into a 67-game losing streak, of which Wright would lead from the front, week in, week out, by great example.
“It was the worst period in the club’s history, and that’s a tough time to captain. I learnt a lot about myself as a human being. As a man, to captain this footy club, I was so proud to do that,” Wright said of the captaincy.
Surrey Park Football Club congratulates Jimmy on what has been a magnificent career with the Panthers, we are incredibly proud of his achievements and thank him for his continued dedication and commitment to Surrey.
Last Modified on 03/02/2020 15:13