In a time where it’s not uncommon to play for a number of different football clubs throughout your career, one West Footscray player is a prime example that one-club players still exist, as he chalks up his 450th match for the Roosters this Saturday afternoon.
Beginning his football career in the Under 11s, it seems Reserves player Daryl Jefferies just can’t get enough of the sport, having been involved at the club for more than 20 years. Originally starting off as a wingman in his junior days, Jefferies has now cemented himself as one of the club’s most reliable defenders for the reserves squad. A modest man, who would rather shine the spotlight on his club before himself, WRFL Media Manager Kirstie Fitzgerald caught up with Daryl ahead of his big milestone match.
How do you feel playing your 450th match?
I had no idea it was coming up to be honest, I don’t really keep count! But it’s great to have chalked up this milestone with the club that I started my career with and I have loved every minute of my time since I’ve been here.
How long have you been involved at the club for?
That’s going back a little while as I’ve played at the Roosters my whole life! But I think it all started in the 90s when I was playing in the Under 11s, so I would say about 20-odd years.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Throughout my career I’ve played in a few finals for the club, which has been good, and I think I was also the captain of one of my junior sides too which was a highlight for me back then. However I would have to say that my greatest achievement on the footy field would have to be part of the 2007 Reserves premiership side. No matter what happens for the rest of my career, I can always say that I have been a premiership player, which is something that I know many players don’t get the chance to be a part of, so that would definitely be one of my highlights for sure.
What has been the best advice you have been given in your career from a coach/ teammate?
I’m not sure to be honest. I have had a number of coaches in my time and they have all been really good in teaching me what I know today, so it’s hard to pinpoint one exact piece of advice that sticks out more than the others.
What is the secret to playing for as long as you have thus far?
Haha, I don’t think there is a secret to it! I’m 36 now and I do the same thing as I always have, which is just getting to training and having a run on game day. Nothing much else to it!
What are your plans like after football (whenever that may be)?
Not sure when I am planning on retiring yet, but regardless of when I hang up the boots, I know I still want to be part of the club in some capacity. I don’t think that I will venture into coaching like I know a lot of ex-players enjoy doing, but as long as I’m still part of the club in some way, that’s all that matters.
Wearing number #31 this weekend for the red and white, the West Footscray Football Club will be having a short presentation for Jefferies for his achievement after the Reserves game on Saturday. Be there for all the action at Shorten Reserve from 12pm when the reserves kick off against Sanctuary Lakes, followed by the seniors match at 2:15pm.
Last Modified on 08/05/2014 13:33