Chris Atkins plays his 250th senior game for Kyabram in the 1st Semi Final against Benalla. However don’t expect him to be wearing his number 11 or even in his own footy boots. Along his football journey, Chris has made the habit of forgetting his boots and even his jumper. More than once he has had to wear a different number onto the ground or borrow a pair of boots from a thirds player.
His passion for footy was obvious when he took up Auskick as a junior. He won a competition then because of his skills to kick both feet.The first team Chris played footy for was the St Augustines U12s.
Good mates having good times together have been a crucial part of Chris’ life. He found footy a lonely place initially as not many mates played the game. However eventually he got them motivated to come and join him. And not only join him, they followed the Pied Piper wherever he went over his footy career.
It was in the U16s that it became obvious to everyone that Chris was a special talent. He won the league medal that yearand experienced his first premiership.
In 1995 Chris displayed another talent when he rocked up to pre-season in his first year of U18s;the ability to grow a huge mop of unruly hair. Jamie Victor rightfully gave him the nickname “Afro” and it stuck. That year saw Chris add another premiership medallion.
Afro continued to play good footy in his second year of U18s and managed to play a number of games in the strong senior team that went on to win the premiership. While he didn’t play in the senior’s final he won the Club’s U18 Best and Fairest and finished Runner Up in GVFL U18s B&F.
In his first year of senior football in 1997 he obviously continued impress as he tied with Shepp United’s Brett Creighton in Rookie of the Year. Chris had another outstanding year in 1998, finishing Runner Up in the Morrison Medal.
Under coach Mick Ryan, Chris must have been having a bad day. Dodger was a stickler for discipline and noticed Chris’ socks. “And you can pull your bloody socks up Afro!” he screamed. Unfortunately for Chris he couldn’t, he hates wearing long socks, so had cut them in half.
Chris had now developed his skills to be considered the complete on baller. He was an outstanding kick on both feet, an excellent mark and reader of the play, with pace and endurance.
His evasive skills did let him down against Tatura in one match which left his father Kevin with his heart in his mouth. Mick Gayfer was coming one way and Chris the other. Chris had the ball and saw Mick coming and tried to dodge, however he slipped and Mick collected him fair and square. The trainers helped Chris off the ground.
Ken Sheldon was appointed Echuca coach in 2000 and targeted Chris as his number one recruit for his club. However Chris was going nowhere. He stayed loyal to Ky and won another club B&F. Now on the coaching panel at Kyabram, Ken Sheldon further appreciates the qualities Chris has a footballer as he can see the one percent things he does for the team. “Now Afro plays back pocket, I reckon he has another 100 games left in him,” laughed Ken after the final’s win against Euroa last week.
It was in 2001 that Chris’ football journey started. He went to the Bendigo Bombers and tried his hand in the VFL. He finished Runner Up in their B&F. 2002 saw him travel west to play for East Fremantle. Chris returned to Kyabram in 2003 and added another B&F to his growing collection. Chris has also played at other clubs where he continued to experience individual and team success with premierships and B&Fs. These include Balranald, Nathalia and also the Waratahs in the Northern Territory for almost 3 seasons. He ended one season abruptly with the Waratahs as the Carnival was on in Rio and a true party boy couldn’t miss that.
Goodness knows how many senior games he has played if you add these games along with his representative teams such as with the Goulburn Valley. He also went travelling overseas with his mates for a couple of seasons.
Chris returned to Kyabram in 2013 with the ambition of achieving the elusive premiership with his home club. However he wanted to do this with his mates, so the Pied Piper worked his magic again. Fittingly, the 2013 premiership has been the highlight of his career.
Preseason this year saw Chris arrive in an old pair of shorts. Team mate Sean Dillon had a bit of a laugh to see they were button up shorts. “Geez Afro when did you play in those?”
“1994 I think,” smiled Chris.
That amazed Sean as that was the year he was born.
Chris turns 37 in October, the same month the GVFL holds their Grand Final. Is there another premiership beckoning for this country legend?
Whether there is or isn’t, his partner Carlye and daughter Sunny just hope he remembers to pack his jocks this Saturday, because no one will lend him theirs!
Good luck Afro.
By Greg Ross
Last Modified on 17/09/2015 17:52