It’s a special weekend for Swan Districts as two of their star players hit significant milestones for the club.
Key forward Tony Notte will equal club great Bill Walker’s 305 game record – one that has stood unbeaten for 48 years.
Earlier this season, Notte became just the seventh player to reach the 300-game milestone against Subiaco in round 9.
Speaking on SportFM ahead of his milestone match, he says it is an honour to have his name etched in club history alongside Walker’s
“I touched on a little bit about coming in as a young kid, not knowing too much about the history, but you learn these things as the years go on,” he said.
“You understand some of the big names of the people that have represented the club, and obviously Bill being the biggest one of all.
“My time with him was mostly spent in the change rooms pre-game. He… comes and sees the players, and has a little word here and there. Over the last few weeks I’ve had a bit more interaction with him.”
“His journey as a player, but more so off field as well, he’s given so much to the club. Now I can have my name alongside him, which is a massive honour.”
Notte joined Swan Districts in 2008 as a key forward with plenty of promise, but has since become one of the WAFL’s premier centre half-backs.
He has been acknowledged for his body of work with three Swan Medals throughout his long, decorated career.
However, premiership success is something he has yet to accomplish – missing selection in the 2010 premiership side.
This motivated him to play on for one more year, with full belief he and his teammates could achieve ultimate glory this year.
“I wanted to continue to play because I thought we had a squad that would give us a chance,” said Notte.
“We’ve been building the last couple years and putting a squad together.
“With the competition this year, it’s really close and there’s a few teams that really have a chance which makes that possibly so much higher.
“We’ve got a big block to get into first before we can really think about those finals but I think we have a chance if we can get ourselves into a good enough spot.”
The stars aligned in a mysterious way this weekend, with Jesse Turner hitting 150 games this weekend – also in the 29 jumper that Walker once wore.
The club captain is the first player since Walker to have played over 100 games and to have achieved life membership.
“For me, it’s great to see another local kid that’s had to work really hard at our footy club to get to where he is now,” said Notte.
“We don’t really see too much now where local guys will hang around and play that much footy for your club, so for me, I’m really proud of him.
“He’s worked really hard and he’s turned himself into one of the best running midfielder wingmen in the competition. It’s just a credit to himself to where he’s got to.
Swan Districts will take on Claremont at Steel Blue Oval this Saturday at 2:40pm. You can catch all the action live on SportFM.
IMAGE: The Sports Photo/ Blake Parry