Milestone Games – Saturday 26 April 2025

Congratulations to Ava Menzies, Jordan Corbo, Oliver Butterworth and Tom Dennis who all play their 50th games this weekend!

Ava Menzies

---

To begin, it would be wrong to recognise Ava’s 50 games without thanking those who got her there, literally. I’m talking about the ones who physically drove her to every single one, because, as we all know (and she’s heard a million times), Ava still doesn’t have her licence.

That said, we’re always grateful when she does make it to games, because her speed and pressure can shift momentum in an instant. Her bravery and willingness to take on the play reflect a tenacity well beyond her years. Despite being one of the youngest, Ava is comfortably at the top of the team when it comes to executed bounces. No matter the pressure, we know she’ll use those bounces, combined with her pace and endurance, to run herself out of just about any situation.

Ava’s on-field performances become even more impressive when you know what’s been fuelling them. Her pre-game snacks have included, but are certainly not limited to, change room pizza slices and leftover wontons from the night before.

Her kicking is another standout strength. You always know when you’re on the receiving end of an Ava kick: a low, hard, bullet ball straight at you. It’s sharp, fast, and on target—whether you’re ready or not. There’s no doubt that this weapon has been honed through years of consistent, committed training. Apart from the rite-of-passage European summer, Ava’s dedication to both games and training has been second to none—a true testament to the well-rounded player she’s become.

While writing this speech, I particularly enjoyed revisiting some of the fines Ava has accumulated over her 50 games at the club. And while we don’t have time to go through all of them, it’s worth highlighting that she’s the first (and likely only) player to receive a trifecta fine: three fines in one week, from three separate sources. A real feat.

But beyond the acceleration, the bouncing, and the bullet kick, what truly sets Ava apart is her positive and encouraging nature. She strikes the perfect balance between taking the game seriously and never taking herself too seriously.

The wing may hate to see you coming Ava but we couldn’t be happier to have you on our side. Congratulations on 50 incredible games.

Charlotte McGilp

Wow, 50 games for the youngest Menzies! About time you reached the milestone! Just kidding—50 games is an incredible achievement, and I feel very lucky to have played nearly every one of them alongside my little sister.

For those who might not be familiar with the Menzies family, let’s just say we slightly like the Sydney Swans. So, in honour of Ava’s number 29, I did a deep dive through the archives to see who’s worn that number for the Swans since the year she was born.

Starting in 2002, the year Ava arrived, there was no notable Swans player wearing number 29. Make of that what you will.

In 2003, Mark Powell stepped into the number 29. According to ChatGPT, Mark played his junior footy for the Narrandera Eagles. Call it fate, but it seems the footy gods always had Ava destined for the mighty Eagles. And like Mark, who only played eight senior games before moving to North and then out of the league altogether, Ava’s junior footy days at the Cougars weren’t exactly filled with glory. Her team often struggled to get 13 players on the field and probably didn’t kick 13 goals across the entire three years she played there. But in those tough early days, she built the skills and resilience that form the foundation of the player she is today.

The Swans seemed to forget about number 29 for a while, or maybe they just thought it was cursed, because we didn’t get another until 2016. But that may have marked the beginning of a golden era—enter George Hewett. Despite George leaving us for a team that shall not be named, you could tell from the start he was going to be a star. Like Ava, he’s a powerful on-ball runner, a strong tackler, and fits seamlessly into the midfield. Ava’s ability to run all day, hold her structure, and open up the field is honestly unmatched. It’s often the difference between us getting over the line or not.

In 2023, Gus Sheldrick took over the number—and just like Ava, he’s shown huge improvement in his game. Ava’s kicking over the past two years has become so sharp that I now fear going for a kick with her, in case I break a finger from one of her signature bullets. Her confidence grows every time she steps on the field, and she never backs down from a challenge.

Now, in 2025, the number 29 is worn by Joel Hamling, and like Joel, Ava has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Keep running, keep backing yourself, and keep taking on the game, Ava. I’m often asked who the better footy player is between the two of us and I can honestly say, hand on heart, it’s Ava. She’s lightning quick, tackles players twice her size (and makes some of them cry, something even I haven’t done), and completely owns the wing like no other.

It’s been incredible watching her journey from a struggling Cougar to a mighty Eagle. I’m so proud to be running out alongside you this weekend to celebrate your 50th game. Go well, and I can’t wait to see the rat take on Piranha Park.

P.S. Shoutout to one of the great number 29s—Marty Mattner. Forgot to mention a true legend!

Tess Menzies

---

Jordan Corbo

It is an honour to write this piece for Jordan “The Persian Rug” Corbo to celebrate his 50th game this weekend. You are a very valuable team member on and off the field, even if we did see Nick Corbo at the club more than you during preseason.

I met Jordan playing tackers back in the day, where we were convinced we would be the next ruckman and rover duo for our favourite club, the Carlton Blues. We have shared many memories over the years, including three premierships, and eventually took our talents to Marcellin OCFC, where your skills have been on full display in the senior team and you have become an integral part of the club.

After dealing with injuries like a broken nose and surgeries, it is a testament to your resilience that you’ve kept coming back and reached the great milestone of 50 games. It is a tough role you play, battling against taller opponents all day, but the team walks taller with you in it.

I am looking forward to watching you play this weekend and hopefully slot a few well-deserved goals, with no misses from the top of the goal square. Thanks for being one of my best mates and a great teammate.

Blake Salerno

---

Oliver Butterworth

Oliver Buttersworth, having seen you grow from the player you were back in high school to the player you are now is nothing short of astonishing. Over the years you’ve developed some handy skills, including your overhead marking and your fierce contested work in the air. It’s been great playing on your team and having you down back, because whenever the ball is kicked your way, I know it will either be clunked by you or brought to ground.

You’re a super reliable and consistent player, showing up week in and week out for training and games, always giving it 110%. When the ball enters the D50, you’re able to play tall and contest, and you’re just as capable at ground level, applying pressure like no one else. Your ability to read the play behind the ball has made it easy for you to slot into the senior side, and your one-percenters like your ‘come forwards’ might not rack up fantasy points, but they definitely don’t go unnoticed.

Congrats on 50 games mate, and just keep doing what you do best. Back yourself and trust that you’ve got what it takes to win every contest, because I know the Eagles will always back you in. It’s always a pleasure running out with you, as you play with courage and always seem to get the job done. Go well mate.

Jed Harrowell

---

Tom Dennis

Tids

50 games mate, massive congrats. What a journey it’s been. Your love for footy is unmatched, but the footy gods haven’t always shown you the same love in return. It’s taken an ACL, a PCL, countless hammy tears and even a quad tear to get here, which just shows the resilience and drive you’ve got.

Since starting in the U19s back in 2017, not much has changed about Tommy and the way he goes about his footy, except maybe his choice in jumper size, which seems to get tighter every year. I reckon Tids was the most excited about the recent change room renovations, especially with those new mirrors getting a serious workout from him.

You can’t question Tids’ attack on the footy and over the last few preseasons he’s set elite standards, proving himself as one of, if not the best, runners at the club. Now a key part of the senior men’s team out on the wing, he’s the kind of teammate everyone wants, someone who always has your back and doesn’t mind throwing in the odd jumper punch when needed.

All the best this weekend mate. The effort you’ve put into getting your body right and playing consistent tough footy is a serious credit to the person and teammate you are.

Lachy Rush