Almanac Footy: FIDA Seagulls

It is July 2014, a solemn walk down to the change rooms, as the sky darkens over-head. the coach already gathered us together before the training session with the bad news.  It has been a lackluster training session, a few light handball drills followed by some kicking. There has not been the usual chatter or enthusiasm. My team mates and I arrived at the Fearon Reserve in Williamstown, to be told that the Reserves’ ruck Dan Oakley, had sadly passed away aged 24. Much like Darren Milane at Collingwood, Oakley’s number 17 was retired by the club.  A memorial game is planned, Oakley’s parents to toss the coin, as well as a plaque at the Fearon Reserve.

 

Admittedly, having spent most of the previous two seasons in the Seniors’ side, I hadn’t played with Dan Oakley that much. Still, it is a pause for reflection, about not taking the opportunity to play football for granted, and how easily it can all be taken away. I also reflect on my own life. After a brain injury at the age of four, and having recovered, I was fortunate enough to have played eleven seasons at two clubs, over a period of fourteen years.

 

I finished the 2009 season playing for Moonee Valley Magpies, as part of FIDA, a competition for intellectually disabled players. I arrived at the Williamstown Seagulls, late in 2012. My first game was against my old side, an experienced and premiership-winning team. I played in my favoured position of back pocket. Not much of a contest ensued; the magpies were far too good. I picked their big bloke in the forward line, in an effort to limit his influence. After another game, I got added to the Seniors’ list, finishing out the season there.

 

The Seniors’ side was full of gun players, talent everywhere. The senior games were faster paced, I had to adjust to that speed. In the reserves I was an older and more experienced player, in a largely undersized and young team. Whereas in the Senior team, I was complementing the talent they already had in droves.

 

I enjoyed playing seniors, positioned further up the field than in the reserves. Most games we thrashed oppositions. It felt good being in such a high performing team.  Over the summer of 2014, I injured my knee – in a Michael Jackson dance class of all things. Because of that I missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons and returned in 2017. In 2014 I hadn’t played enough senior games to qualify for finals, so in 2017 I made sure I played well and retained my spot in the senior list. Then came round seven, after a lunge to tackle, my ankle twisted and my tendon snapped and my season was over. On more than two occasions during the season, I’d get a stabbing pain in my knee, than I’d limp it off. Now with the ankle injury, I decided to stop playing.

 

 

Below is a self-portrait I painted, though the mascot was done by my wife:

 

 

 

 

 

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