BulldogBelle
06-04-2007, 12:20 AM
Aker's 250th game is only days away, here is an article on it -
*****
250 up: oh what a feeling (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21501069-23211,00.html)
By Jason Akermanis
Western Bulldogs player
April 04, 2007
THE AFL's 2007 yearbook says 143 players have reached the 250-match milestone. On Sunday, I will be most grateful when I become the 144th.
In today's competition it is an outstanding feat, in my mind.
I have heard 250-gamers in the past say how lucky they had been. To me, it is more about being grateful than lucky.
While working your way through the system, it is sometimes easy to forget the journey it has been for the past 13 years - the many lows along with the uplifting moments of personal conquest over fear and ridicule.
Much can happen in a player's career, especially growing up in the early '90s in Queensland.
I have been a tad uncomfortable in new surroundings, which to be honest has been a good thing. Strangely, I have enjoyed that feeling - it's kept me flexible and eager.
I brought 248 games of Brisbane Lions experiences to the Western Bulldogs and game No.249 was an ideal start for the new relationship.
Just before we ran out for the game against Geelong, our captain Brad Johnson, fellow Bulldogs debutant Andrew McDougall and I stood in the middle of a circle of the other 19 players.
"Boys, we are so glad you chose our club to come to and for wanting to play with us. Wear this with pride and you are now one of us," Johnno said.
He then presented us with our new jumpers. I was definitely moved by it.
The match itself panned out really well. I was simply a small part of a cog, a mere part of a big engine, an engine that gives us hope.
Johnno bagged eight goals, the group took another step in our development and I started the match-day process of learning what life as a Bulldog is about.
It's not what I have been used to and will take time to master. I'm getting there, though.
Some people might be wondering why the handstand was back.
Maybe some thought it was a Lions thing, a Gabba thing. Even Dipper, the larger than life Robert DiPierdomenico, asked in our interview in this week's Footy Record why I continued with the handstand. I suppose there was the option of a cartwheel or a few backflips.
Now, don't get me wrong, cartwheels and backflips are different and exciting. But they've been done.
After a summer of asking myself and my teammates whether I should continue doing the handstand after a win, and for the supporters, the answer kept coming back: yes.
And boy, oh boy, the noise was loud.
There are about 25 family members flying in from all over the country for my 250th against Adelaide at the MCG in the round's twilight fixture.
Another first for me and us. The journey continues. Enjoy your Easter eggs.
*****
250 up: oh what a feeling (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21501069-23211,00.html)
By Jason Akermanis
Western Bulldogs player
April 04, 2007
THE AFL's 2007 yearbook says 143 players have reached the 250-match milestone. On Sunday, I will be most grateful when I become the 144th.
In today's competition it is an outstanding feat, in my mind.
I have heard 250-gamers in the past say how lucky they had been. To me, it is more about being grateful than lucky.
While working your way through the system, it is sometimes easy to forget the journey it has been for the past 13 years - the many lows along with the uplifting moments of personal conquest over fear and ridicule.
Much can happen in a player's career, especially growing up in the early '90s in Queensland.
I have been a tad uncomfortable in new surroundings, which to be honest has been a good thing. Strangely, I have enjoyed that feeling - it's kept me flexible and eager.
I brought 248 games of Brisbane Lions experiences to the Western Bulldogs and game No.249 was an ideal start for the new relationship.
Just before we ran out for the game against Geelong, our captain Brad Johnson, fellow Bulldogs debutant Andrew McDougall and I stood in the middle of a circle of the other 19 players.
"Boys, we are so glad you chose our club to come to and for wanting to play with us. Wear this with pride and you are now one of us," Johnno said.
He then presented us with our new jumpers. I was definitely moved by it.
The match itself panned out really well. I was simply a small part of a cog, a mere part of a big engine, an engine that gives us hope.
Johnno bagged eight goals, the group took another step in our development and I started the match-day process of learning what life as a Bulldog is about.
It's not what I have been used to and will take time to master. I'm getting there, though.
Some people might be wondering why the handstand was back.
Maybe some thought it was a Lions thing, a Gabba thing. Even Dipper, the larger than life Robert DiPierdomenico, asked in our interview in this week's Footy Record why I continued with the handstand. I suppose there was the option of a cartwheel or a few backflips.
Now, don't get me wrong, cartwheels and backflips are different and exciting. But they've been done.
After a summer of asking myself and my teammates whether I should continue doing the handstand after a win, and for the supporters, the answer kept coming back: yes.
And boy, oh boy, the noise was loud.
There are about 25 family members flying in from all over the country for my 250th against Adelaide at the MCG in the round's twilight fixture.
Another first for me and us. The journey continues. Enjoy your Easter eggs.