Almanac (Footy) Life: Tribute to Old Dog on his 700th game of footy

 

 

As the Old Dog (Matt Zurbo) plays his 700th game of football this weekend, one of his long time teammates Sean Maxwell pays tribute to the great man and his approaching milestone. 

 

 

The Old Dog and long time team mate Sean Maxwell

 

 

For the last 20+ years, the first thing you’d hear when arriving at the Gellibrand Recreation Reserve was a booming, drawn out “Goooooooooddddd Shhhhoooeeeeee” from Matt Zurbo.

 

He’d arrived early to help coach the juniors. He’d arrived straight from a day working in the bush with nothing more then a few rice cakes and a handful of almonds in the stomach. And he’d be on the back of every cone barking for more effort and positivity from the boys.

 

He’d back this up on gameday, too. In his years as a junior coach, he’d always prepare meticulously for his pre-game speech. The flavour was always new, but the substance remained the same. They always revolved around getting the young fellas to believe in themselves as individuals and as a team. One of his lines that come to mind is “Back yourself. Take the game on. And if it doesn’t work out, point to me”.

 

Yes, we’re constantly reminded of how Zurbo’s passion and ability to connect with young people can lift them out of hard times, and instil in them a sense of confidence that previously had eluded them. But next weekend is a celebration about Matt the senior footballer.

 

Most blokes breakdown after 20-30 games. Even the most hard-wearing usually chuck it in after they turn 35. How has Zurbo managed to reach 700 games? What is the secret to his longevity?

 

Is it insisting on having orange juice with his muesli? Or serving his two-minute noodles with lukewarm water from the shower? Is it showering with his dog in the changerooms? This last one is no longer permitted, sadly.

 

Perhaps it can be put down to his infamous 40-minute post-training blow out. This consists of pairing up with one or two others and constantly leading, marking and kicking the ball to each other. It’s some classic kick-to-kick but with intensity. All new blokes are officially indoctrinated into club by being unwittingly lured into this post-training blow out with Zurbo.

 

Perhaps we’ll never know his secrets to longevity, but somethings definitely stand out from having Zurbo play the majority of his games with us at the Otway Districts Football Netball Club. On field, these include his contested marking and rucking abilities and gut running. He has also always been the first in to defend his mates or the young blokes in the team.

 

Off-field, Zurbo is a staunch defender of the battler, has a life-long commitment to bush work, an infectious love for music, and substantial gifts as a writer and storyteller. Only last year did I find out about his alter ego – a lucha libre mask wearing comedian called the Perculator that moonlights as a mascot for the Monaros.

 

And sure – the Great Man has his short-comings. These include constantly losing his wallet or keys, being absolutely filthy about spending any time on the bench, and having short arms at the bar… But these things don’t define Zurbo.

 

Matt got married a few years back and now has a young daughter who comes to every training and game with him. Matt’s love for his family is abundant and inspiring. He is deeply invested in helping them lead their best lives. And I think this is what stand out the most after his 700 games – his love for his people and community. That is when Zurbo is at his mighty best – when his people and community need a boost.

 

Countless times has Zurbo gone above and beyond for us. Be that organising a day out for his U18s in the big smoke, watching a game of footy and meeting some AFL players. Or organising a fund raiser to support families going through hard times or blokes recovering from season ending injuries.

 

Zurbo is all about the extras. And we are blessed to have him influence our club culture over so many years. It’d be a great testament to Zurbo’s qualities as a person and clubman if folks could travel from far and wide to watch him in his 700^th. It might be your last chance for a while – it’ll be another few years until his 800^th.

 

The milestone match occurs at the Irrewillipe Recreation Reserve on Saturday 5 August at midday when Otway Districts play the Western Eagles then followed up by celebrations at the Gellibrand Hotel with The Monaros providing the music. Details below.

 

 

 

 

Matt Zurbo has written extensively for The Footy Almanac over the years. You will find all of his pieces, and some pieces about him, HERE.

 

 

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