What are you up to these days?
I’m living in Shepparton now and have a curtains and blinds business called Wyndham Décor which keeps me busy.
I’ve been involved with that for around two and a half years. There’s plenty on the go.
Footy-wise, I’m still playing at the Heathcote Football Club in the Heathcote District Football League.
It’s my second season with them. We went through the season undefeated last year and won the flag. We were also undefeated this year until last week when we were beaten by Lockington - which was the team we beat in the 2010 Grand Final.
Before playing at Heathcote, I was at Tocumwal. I won a premiership in my last season with them in 2009 - so I guess I’ll be going for three flags in a row this year.
I play mostly in defence these days, predominantly at centre-half back. But I don’t mind running up forward every now and then to get amongst it.
But I think this will be my last year. I’m turning 37 later this month so it’s probably about time I hung up the boots.
What are your fondest memories of your time at Fitzroy?
The first thing that comes to mind is the Fitzroy supporters. I always remember how keen and one-eyed they were.
I felt for them more than anyone else when the team eventually merged in 1996.
While those that did go on to follow the Brisbane Lions enjoyed some success, I always thought a merger with another Melbourne Club would’ve been better suited.
Luckily enough for me, I was picked up by the Kangaroos in 1997 which was a real eye-opener. It was amazing to see how professionally run North Melbourne was compared to Fitzroy in those final years.
You are probably remembered most by Fitzroy fans for your six-goal haul against Fremantle in Round 8 of 1996 which proved to be the team’s last ever win...
That was actually the only win I was involved with in two seasons at Fitzroy.
It was a big day for our supporters - even though there were only around 5,000 people at the Whitten Oval that day.
I remember the siren sounding and all our fans ran onto the field and sang the song with us afterwards. It was a pretty special day.
Do you still catch up with any of your former team-mates?
Not really.
But I’ll speak to some of them on the phone every now and then.
Have you noticed a significant change in how the game is played now compared to when you were playing AFL in the mid-to-late 90s?
For sure.
You only have to look at the old footage to see how much it has changed. The game is so much younger and quicker now.
There’s also been plenty of rules changes - particularly in the way that free kicks are interpreted and players are reported.
Chopping arms is something that you can no longer do as a defender, yet I was always taught to chop arms during my junior football days.
Do you have any kids hoping to follow their father’s footsteps?
I’m married now with two children - Sienna (5) and Jack (2 and a half).
They come along and watch their dad play footy on the weekends.
The Brisbane Lions are currently in the process of updating their database of past players and coaches. If you played a senior match with Fitzroy, the Bears or the Brisbane Lions (or know someone that has) and haven’t remained in contact with the Club, please email your phone and address details to melbourne@lions.com.au so that we can keep you in touch with any future events with past players.
