IT was a huge day at Malseed Park on Saturday when Hawthorn Team of the Century and All-Australian player John Platten visited the Limestone Coast.
Platten was the guest speaker at West Gambier Football and Netball Club’s annual Sponsors, Past Players and Officials Day.
Platten began his professional career at Central District Football Club in the SANFL and went on to receive two club best and fairests, in addition to a league Magarey Medal.
During his football career he also was selected for the SA state side between 1982 and 1997.
In 1986 Platten played his first game for Hawthorn in the AFL, going on to play from 1986 to 1997 in 258 games, kicking 228 goals along the way.
Some of his AFL career highlights include becoming a five-time All-Australian player, being apart of four AFL premiership sides and winning the Brownlow Medal in 1987.
Platten was also inducted into both the South Australian and Australian Football Halls of Fame.
Although Platten had a highly decorated career, he came from humble beginnings.
Growing up in Elizabeth in a family with nine children and living in a three bedroom Housing Trust home, Platten said the most important thing he does is support young footballers.
“I was fortunate enough to build a career in football, but you can not forget about where you have come from,” he said.
“It is all about investing in grassroots football.
“Most people at football and netball clubs are volunteers, so being able to attend events like this are a great way to give back.”
Since leaving Hawthorn in 1998, Platten has returned to Central District where he has been an assistant coach for eight years.
Platten still enjoys following the Hawks and thinks the team has a great group of young players coming up through the ranks.
“The club has lost a few older players, but every club has to go through a rebuilding stage at some point,” he said.
“The big focus is on their young players who are coming up from the SANFL and VFL teams trying to get their shot.”
Platten believes West Gambier’s Tim O’Brien has a bright future in the AFL.
“A great friend of mine in Mount Gambier let me know about Tim a few years back and I have been following his progress ever since,” he said.
“I think his height is a huge asset and he can only get better from here.”
West Gambier’s function also had an address from the president of the football and president of the netball club who are both looking forward to the future of the club.
Football president Brenton James said the club was grateful to be able to put on events such as these.
“We would not be able to function as a club day to day without the help of our sponsors,” he said.
“Our Sponsors, Past Players and Officials Day is a great way to give back to them in addition to being an exciting event for the club.
“We are extremely lucky to have John Platten speak at our function and are thankful for the support he gives to grassroots football.”
The Roos plan to bring another AFL preseason match to Malseed Park as well as an AFLW away game.
“We are in talks with the AFL at the moment and are hoping the plans can go forward in 2019,” James said.
