What are you up to these days?
I’m a publican. I own and run a pub called the ‘Whistling Kite’ which is located about 45 minutes from Perth.
It’s a pretty good place and is about a year-and-a-half old now. It’s become quite popular and has even received some Perth pub awards.
You moved to Brisbane in 1989 after spending your first couple of seasons with West Coast. What are the fondest memories from your time at the Bears?
There’s plenty...
The main thing for me was just moving to a different environment and living on the Gold Coast. It was certainly a change from what I had gotten used to over in Perth.
The only drawback from my time with the Bears was that we didn’t really get to enjoy too much success, although we had a bit of success in my first year when Paul Feltham took over.
But my fondest memories are of the people and the environment - it was pretty laid back.
I actually stayed in Queensland for a while after I finished playing, but then made the decision to get back to Western Australia to be close to my family.
Do you still catch up with many of your former team-mates?
I still speak to Mark Zannoti quite often, but he’s still in Queensland.
Alex Ischenko is based in Melbourne and I touch base with him every once in while, as well as Martin Leslie who’s in Port Lincoln. But that’s probably about it.
Do you maintain an interest in AFL?
Yes, I do. I always enjoy seeing the Lions perform and it’s great seeing Vossy there as Senior Coach.
Every now and then I used to bump into some of my old Bears crew who were still involved with the Lions - guys like Vossy, Craig Lambert and Adrian Fletcher.
It’s great seeing some of my former team-mates doing so well in the football after-life - even guys like Chris Scott who is now in a senior coaching role.
What are you thoughts on how the game has changed since your playing days?
I was fortunate to do some running for West Coast a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. It gave me a pretty good insight into the modern game actually.
But I couldn’t continue because of my work commitments - it just became a bit too much.
Today’s game is more of a possession game and the marking contest has gone out of it somewhat. It’s very fast and skilful. I enjoy it. Tactically it has developed a long way and I guess that happens in most sports.
I always enjoy seeing the Brissie boys and watching their success over the years. I like to keep an close eye on them.
Are your kids sport-minded like their Dad?
I’ve got three kids and there’s a bit of a spread between them.
My oldest daughter’s off to university now and I only recently had little baby boy who’s one year old. But he seems to be enjoying throwing the ball around, so we’ll keep an eye on him.
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.
