Whilst the trip to the border is perhaps not the ideal destination to celebrate 100 games it has been a happy hunting ground of sorts for Jeames Gillett. The former cross country runner turned star footballer has enjoyed plenty of individual success at Peak Oval with some of his best games for the Tigers coming there. The Tigers as well are looking for 3 wins from their last 3 visits to the home of the Blues and head into this week’s clash eager for a double celebration.
For “Rabbit” the journey to the milestone of 100 senior games has been something of a hop, skip and a jump, missing only 3 games in 5 and a half years. No doubt his background in sports science (currently studying for his masters degree) has helped in some way to ensuring he can back up each week. He is meticulous in his preparation before the match “porridge, coffee, pasta, pretzels, water and a bottle of endura before every game”
One thing that has changed since his debut back in 2006 against Maroochy under former task master Rob Dickfos is his physique. He has managed to transform his body from a Jimmy Byrne clone to something more like Jimmy Bartel courtesy of training 6 days a week in the gym and pool. Jimmy was something of an instant hit with his team mates and quickly fell in with the Brown / Ferguson combo – for better or for worse. On reflection for Jimmy it was more than that and conjures up memories which he cherishes close to heart:
“…the club can literally change your life, from the friendships you can form and the direction your life can take – something I don’t think you would find at other clubs.”
Even though he had not played footy for 8 years leading up to his senior debut it didn’t take long for Jimmy to begin to make his mark. He built his game on hard work - that is the ability to run his opponents into the ground – no doubt a throw back to years of training in cross country running. Add to this a booming kick, strong tackling and desire to always want to take a hanger each week he quickly became a crowd favourite at Everton Park. (that or the fact the girls loved his shaved pins)
His coach for most of his career Mitch Ferguson adds
“What stands out most for me has been the transformation – not only in body shape, but also his appetite for the contest, self-discipline and leadership. His mates are all quick to remind him of the skinny little rabbit that he was back when he started but through sheer hard work he got himself into shape to play at a consistently high level each week. I can recall the time many years ago where Rob Dickfos got stuck into Jimmy and a few other blokes who played up during the week at the Ekka before a critical game – he dropped them all to reserve grade. It was a tough call but one that he took on the chin and has become a better player and person because of that experience. He is now captain of the Mayne Tigers AFC”
The learning curve was sharp early on when Jimmy found himself playing on some of the stars of the competition in a tagging role. Most times he came out on top but even on the days he may have lowered his colours he took away plenty of ideas on what he needed to improve on. He rates Maroochydore midfielder Ryan White the best that he has played on “all class”. At Mayne the usual suspects in Housego, Faulkner and Brown rate as the best players he has played alongside. Furthermore, with most of the 100 games played with veteran Luke Ferguson (and 6 footy trips) it is no surprise he had plenty of laughs both on and off the field with the serial prankster.
Jimmy rates his Downlow medal on the 2008 Queenstown right up there with his 4 top 5 club champion finishes and tips young gun Bill Stephens as a player who could emulate those feats. Further achievements include winning the Mayne Cup over 2400m at Eagle Farm and back to back titles in Supercoach.
Whilst the wins have proved to be elusive at times over the trip to the ton for Jimmy there has been no secret to what has kept him going “without a doubt the friendships – loyalty to your mates”
It is in this regards that any of the young players coming through at Mayne could learn a lot from Jimmy’s path to 100 games for the Mayne Tigers AFC. He has built his reputation on incredibly hard work, faultless preparation, an eagerness to learn and loyalty to his mates and club. This has seen him gain the respect from his peers to the point where he was appointed joint captain this season.
It has been a wonderful achievement in reaching 100 games and we wish “the rabbit” all the best for the weekend’s game down the coast and for the rest of his career.
Last Modified on 25/11/2011 17:14