Congratulations to Tom Harvey and Mac Ryan who both will play their 50th games this weekend!
Tom Harvey
Only John Farnham has had more comebacks than Tom Harvey.
Sometimes footy gives you success and glory, and sometimes it gives trials and tribulations. Tommy has had both in spades. It’s his unbending willingness to still rock up to training for countless rehab sessions that makes Tommy so much a part of the fabric of this footy club. He even went on the footy camp down the Peninsula knowing he wouldn’t even be able to join in. He is everything we strive to be at Marcellin OCFC, tenacious, determined, loyal and diligent, these four words perfectly described Tom as a footballer and as a human.
After starting his footballing journey at Auskick on Glenferrie Oval, to the Paul Harvey Footy Factory at Hawthorn Citz, Tommy was always destined to play some footy at Marcellin, especially after spending countless hours on Sundays goal and boundary umpiring for the Baldies. He wanted to grace the Bray for himself.
Tommy started in the 19s under Simon Abrahams in 2017 and played every game (20) finding himself in the best 11 times as a no-frills defender, winning the coaches award. The boys had a great side that year defeating Ormond in the Elimination Final by 1 point in a great comeback victory thanks to 3 goals from Cappa, before going down to Haileybury in the Semi Final at a ground that can be described as nothing more than hell on earth (Casey Fields). The next year Tommy played 19s for the second year and was named co-captain with Alex Strempel, leading the boys well before he broke his collarbone in round 5 against Trinity. His determination was underlined as Tommy was back in the side later in the year to defeat Trinity in the Elimination Final by 6 points, before being named best on ground in their loss to Brighton the next week. In 2019, Tommy progressed to the 2s under Redders and played 11 games finding consistency before numerous hamstring issues cut him down.
Across the next four years Tommy has battled countless hamstring issues playing occasional games, before finally getting his body right in 2023. Tommy played the last part of the year in the 2s with our cousin Tom Hancock and kicked his first goal for the club (goal of the year, ask him yourself) in the 3s against Ivanhoe, before rupturing his syndesmosis ligament at pre-season. Anyone else would give up after that, but not our Tom.
He has always given back to the club whether it be as runner, water carrier, timekeeper, boundary umpire, goal umpire and never misses a training session. Despite all the setbacks, Tommy puts in with this quiet determination and belief that at some point it’ll all turn.
The ultimate team man, congratulations on your 50th mate, excited to play with you.
Sam Harvey
Mac Ryan
This week we get to celebrate the 50 game milestone achieved by one of our own, Mac ryan. Reaching 50 games at any level is a testament to your commitment, hard work and determination, particularly to the Marcellin Football Club.
I first met Mac on day 1 of year 7, back in 2016, and since then have shared many memorable moments on and off the field. I vividly remember Mac declaring to myself and a few of our mates that one day he will play in the afl. He shook each of our hands individually, telling us he would pay us all $1000 each if he didn’t live up to his claim. We are still waiting for the money!!
Mac made his senior debut in his first game for the club as a 19 year old back in 2022. From the very beginning it was clear that Mac was not just another player, but a true asset to our team and club. I’ve been lucky enough to experience the highs of victory and the lessons of defeat, forming a bond that extends beyond the game. Your commitment and enthusiasm has been an inspiration to all involved at the footy club.
I’m spewing I won’t be out there with you this week, but I’m sure the boys will give it their all, as you’ve done each week and hopefully get a win for you. Congratulations on the 50 games, and hopefully there’s many more to come.
James McArdle
