Q: Which was the first team you played for?

I first played for Jamestown/Appila Football Club (now Jamestown/Peterborough) in the Northern Areas Football Association as I grew up on the family farm just out of Jamestown. I played all my junior football and two years of A grade before moving to Adelaide to attend university. I travelled back from Adelaide in 2001 for a season, unfortunately we lost the grand final.

Q: How many grade games have you played and who have you played for?

I have played for a few clubs due to moving around for education and employment. I think I played about 360 A grade games not including association games.
Jamestown – 50
North Adelaide Reserves – 30
Kilburn – 50
Central Augusta – 75
Cummins Ramblers – 35
Waybacks – 120

Q: Have you tasted premiership success?

Yes, was lucky enough to win 2 A grade premierships. Cummins Ramblers in 2013 and Waybacks in 2017. Also, my Senior Colts Premiership at Jamestown is a very fond memory.

Q: Did you play representative football? If so, when and which teams?

I always strove to play representative football whenever possible. I have formed many great friendships over the years with people from local areas and around the state.

• 2001 – Northern Areas Association team
• 2004 – State Amateur Team (SAAFL) – played (VAFA) Victorian Amateur Football Association at Elsternwick Park in Melbourne.
• 2005-2008 SA Country Championships – Northern Cities/Northern
• 2009-2011 SA Country Championships – Eyre Peninsula
• 2007-2009 – SA Country Team
• 2008-2014 – Mortlock Shield (Port Lincoln/Lincoln City/Great Flinders)

Q: Best player(s) you played with?

Played with many outstanding footballers including: Paul Rynne, Luke Evans (Jamestown), Ben Armstrong (Kilburn), Mark Fuller (Central Augusta), Rob Shirley, James Pedler (Ramblers), Matt Goodwin, Murray Kelsh (Waybacks)

Q: Best player(s) you played against?

I remember playing against Matt Dignan and Keith Slade from Orroroo when I first played A grade. Their work rate to get the ball and presence on the field was unreal. Reece Francis, Harry Miller and Jack Burton on the EP were always very challenging. They all had no real weaknesses in their game.

Q: Who was the best and/or favourite coach(es) you ever had?

My senior colts (U/17s) coach David “Stal” Daly. He was very hard on us as a team but was that fatherly figure who we all respected so highly. Taught us discipline, to work hard at training, play as a team and to believe in yourself.

Q: What is your most memorable game(s) as a player?

The SA Country game versus Victoria Country at Stawell in 2008 was a great experience. The quality of the game was amazing, just so quick and such a high skill level. Was great going interstate with players from around the state, and to get the win made it even better. We still talk about the game when we see each other. The bus trip home was great fun! Winning the State Country Championships for Eyre Peninsula in 2011. Coached by Simon Chase and I was Co-Captain with James Pedler. Great bunch of lads! Also, my 100^th game for Waybacks, which was also great mates Murray Kelsh and Matt Goodwin’s 200^th for Waybacks. Celebrating with club legends like Muzza and Minya was pretty special. I still believe that the feeling the team got from winning that game against Tasman’s got the ball rolling for the 2017 Premiership.

Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of footballers?

You have to believe in yourself and your ability. A lot of players out there have the skills and ability to be great. But only a few believe they can. Work rate on the field must be high. Jogging around gets you nowhere.

Q: Are there any game rules you would like to see changed?

I’m really frustrated by the way players duck, drop their knees or flick their arm up to try to get high free kicks at the moment. This started in the AFL and now local players are doing it too. I think anytime you do those actions trying to get a free it should be holding the ball as you have had prior opportunity.  We were always taught to stand up high when tackled and raise your arms so you could get the handpass away rather than trying to get a free kick.

Q: Are you still involved in football? If yes, in what capacity?

Yes, back coaching junior football this year for Wayback U/14’s. Really enjoying it, have a great bunch of lads and they are so keen to learn.