My time with Doutta Stars commenced way back in 1989 playing Under 10’s footy in the local Essendon District Football League (EDFL). Whilst Dad expected me to play at Strathmore as a youngster, he & Mum never stood in the way of my choice & were soon themselves staunch supporters & volunteers of Doutta’s over the many years to come! It was at Doutta Stars Football & Cricket Club’s where many lifelong friendships started & formed me into the person I am today! 

From the 35+ year association with the Stars I amassed 173 injury riddled games of footy! I was appointed captain of the under 16’s & under 18’s in 1995 & 1997, winning respective best & fairest awards in those seasons, culminating in a torn ACL in the final game of the 1997 season. By the end of that season I was the only current player (juniors & seniors) not to have ever played in a final for Doutta’s!

Later in the 1998 season I made a successful comeback to play in the reserves undefeated premiership side at Windy Hill (whilst also debuting in the senior side against Maribyrnong Park for round 16). In 2000 I was appointed reserves vice captain, leading the team to consecutive away wins against Strathmore & Keilor as stand-in skipper (the first time I had ever beaten both sides in 10+ years of footy) before another knee injury got the better of me two weeks later ending a dedicated & formative playing career at Doutta Stars.

I also commenced playing cricket at “The Sheds” in 1991 & won an U16s premiership in 1994/95. I was proudly awarded the Best Clubman in 1998/99 for contributions to coaching the U16’s, playing 3rds, volunteering as a committee member & running the bar in a Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) premiership winning season!

Go Stars!!

p.s. I always wore No. 15!