Monday, May 12
WELL, THE AFL’s 150th year celebration weekend ended up being a mixed bag for me personally.

Watching the game from the warmth of the St Joseph’s clubrooms with Timmy Callan and our mates, I saw a cracking contest between ‘Joey’s’ and St.Mary’s. The Joeys boys hadn’t played any of the top teams yet, but were looking forward to the St.Mary’s game as they're probably flag favourites with Bell Park. In a tight contest, St.Mary’s got home by a goal, but the Joeys boys showed they are serious contenders.

After the game we had a sportsman's night at the club with Tim and I joined by ex-AFL players Brett Hungerford and John Fitzgerald as well as local netball star Shannyn Leach. We finished up in time for the Vic/All Stars game, and we were all thrilled by a Victorian victory.

The weekend was a great initiative by the AFL, and many are hoping it can be a permanent fixture in years to come. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another nine years to see the best take on the best again.

Wednesday, May 7
FOR THOSE of us not playing in the Hall of Fame Tribute Match on Saturday night, the weekend offers the opportunity to head back to the local clubs that developed us as players and as men.

I’ll be heading down the highway to the mighty St Joseph’s Football Club in Geelong. Ever since I was six years old, playing under-10s, I have worn the red, black and gold stripes of St Joseph’s, and make sure I get back there as often as I can. Many of my closest friends still play for Joeys, and I love watching them play.

This weekend I’ll be joined for a sportsmen’s night by two other former Joeys boys who are now stars of the game: Cameron Ling and Tim Callan.

While we’re relaxing we will also have the opportunity to watch another former Joeys boy in Matthew Scarlett represent the Vics.

We have been lucky to have many players make it to the highest level in the club’s short history. Apart from the above-mentioned names, Shaun Higgins of the Bulldogs, Matt Maguire from the Saints and Ryan Williams from the Power are also St Joseph’s graduates, and current AFL players. Without naming them all, Joel Reynolds, Sam Hunt, John Fitzgerald, Barry Stoneham, Tim Darcy, Mick Mansfield, Tim and Damian Bourke have all donned the red, black and gold and gone onto VFL/AFL football.

I’m not sure if all players still have a strong relationship with their junior or local club, but I count myself fortunate that I do. Watching the boys take on St Mary’s in the match of the round will be great. And afterwards, if they have a win, the clubrooms will be pumping.

As for the night’s game, I’ll stick with the Vics by 10 points, with Ryan O’Keefe to be best afield. Let’s hope it’s a great success and we can watch the champions of the game play each other every year in a similar match.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.