NORTH Gambier’s Nick Blachut celebrated his 200th senior game recently when the Tigers hosted East Gambier at Vansittart Park.
Blachut, who is one of the league’s quickest and most skilful players, began his journey with North in 1999 as an Under 12.
In his junior career he won both the Under 14 and Under 18 best and fairest awards, before making his senior debut in 2006 against Millicent.
On that day his first kick in senior football was a goal.
Under the guidance of Ian Stafford, the young Tigers made it to the grand final in 2007, but were defeated by Portland.
It was in this year Blachut cemented his place in the senior team as a young flashy wingman.
North Gambier’s luck changed in 2010, when ex-Glenelg forward Justin McConnell signed on as coach.
McConnell developed the Tigers into a highly skilful team and Blachut continued to shine.
His blistering pace, customary dashes down the wing and pin-point accuracy on his trusty right boot are trademarks of his game.
Blachut has played on the last day in September for the last seven years, with four premierships to show for it.
During his senior career Blachut has represented the WBFL at interleague level, while also winning North’s best and fairest award in 2015.
McConnell described Blachut as “a fiercely loyal and active clubman with an undeniable influence on those around him”.
“His ability to perform and contribute consistently in finals, Anzac Day and rep games highlights his capacity to handle the heat on the big stage,” he said.
“He is one of the elite players in competition.”
Current day coach Winis Imbi has challenged Blachut to develop his game further, with stints in the midfield rotations early in the season.
Imbi has nothing but praise for Blachut and said the best is yet to come as he works to develop his game even further.
“I am privileged to work with him,” he said.
“The best is yet to come and I know he is working hard to better himself as a player and go to another level.”
Blachut is a fine leader of both the North Gambier Football Club and the Western Border Football League.
North honoured Blachut with a presentation after the game back at the club and he will also be awarded life membership at the club at the end of season.
