Sport
27 May, 2021
Premiership skipper reaches game 100
KOLORA Noorat ensured premiership skipper Jake Richardson celebrated his milestone match in fitting fashion last Saturday.
KOLORA Noorat ensured premiership skipper Jake Richardson celebrated his milestone match in fitting fashion last Saturday.
The much-loved Power defender ran out in the black, white and teal for the 100th time at Timboon Recreation Reserve.
Religiously for the past six years, with the exception of 2020, Richardson has travelled back to Noorat to line-up for his beloved club.
He admits his decision to clock up the kilometres every weekend has been relatively simple, while not even a recent change of hometown has deterred him from returning.
“I’ve been travelling from Ballarat since 2015 but this is my first year coming from Geelong,” Richardson said.
“I absolutely love the club. Ever since I went out there I’ve felt super welcome and everyone who has come since has fitted in perfectly.
“It’s not a normal club because you not only play for the team but you also play for the entire club. You can really feel the energy out on the field and when you go into the rooms the older fellas want to chat to you about your game and the direction and stuff like that.
“Before I went to the Power I was contemplating whether to pursue footy again but ever since I’ve been there it’s been awesome. With all the young guys starting to find their feet it’s exciting being a part of the squad we’ve got.”
Richardson said his milestone was something he would look back on fondly when his career was winding up.
“Definitely before COVID I knew it was coming but obviously it got postponed,” he said.
“It’s definitely something I’m pretty proud of and it’s something I’ll be pretty proud to look back on.
“My old man enjoyed it too. He is team manager and says a bit and it’s nice to have all the family coming out to the club too.
“It’s not something so much for the now, but it’s definitely something I’ll look back on and enjoy.”
Richardson’s team-mates ensured the skipper celebrated the occasion with another special feat.
“They put me up forward for the last quarter to get me a goal,” he said.
“2017 was the last time I kicked one so I think everyone really enjoyed the old full back going forward and kicking a goal.
“It was a really special day – I wasn’t expecting it to be what it was, I normally go under the radar and play my game and do my role for the team.
“It was great the boys went that extra mile for me.”