Milestone Games – Saturday 5 July 2025

Congratulations to James Robertson (150 games), Bradley Perillo (100 games), Michael Avramopolous (50 games) and Joel Cecala (50 games) on all reaching their milestone this weekend!

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James Robertson

James Robertson made his club debut in the Seniors as an 18-year-old in Round 1 2014, off the back of an impressive pre-season. With a goal and a win in his first match, Robbo retained his spot in the side, before returning to the Under 19’s team for the remainder of the season, winning the Best & Fairest and featuring in a Grand Final.

It was in 2015 where Robbo solidified his position in the senior side. He quickly built a reputation as a crafty small forward with elite foot skills an innate sense for goal. In a year where the Seniors where Minor Premiers, Robbo booted 27 goals and played every game including two finals, finishing Runner Up in the Best & Fairest. Robbo’s stellar season earned him VAFA representative honours, where he was selected in the Big V Under 19’s team and kicked their only goal for the day against a strong Vic Country outfit.

Robbo had a similar year in 2016, kicking another 27 goals and building a real profile for himself amongst the competition. He would often feature on the whiteboards of opposition clubs’ pre-game and be a target for them as he began to accrue some midfield minutes. Robbo was the sort of player who embraced this attention, particularly against archrivals Ivanhoe, where he would dish up some of his best lip service. When Robbo had the better of his opponent, he wasn’t shy in letting them know all about it. Or his teammates for that matter! Robbo’s form, particularly during the back end of this season, helped the club to secure some really important, relegation saving wins. This momentum was carried into 2017, where the team made a Preliminary Final.

Many consider the 2017 Elimination Final to be Robbo’s career best performance, kicking three goals and leading the side to a 47-point victory against Williamstown out at VAFA Park, Elsternwick. From here, Robbo’s confidence continued to grow and he started to evolve into a genuine leader.

Following another strong year in 2018, Robbo was deservedly appointed by his peers as captain in 2019. Unfortunately, a nasty foot injury kept Robbo off the park for most of this season, but he transferred his leadership into a pivotal off-field role that continued into the COVID disrupted seasons of 2020 and 2021. Robbo, along with the wider leadership group and coach Simon Abrahams, did an incredible job in working tirelessly to keep the group connected over this period of time.

Robbo’s foot injury continued to plague him in 2022 and despite not playing a game, he continued to front up week-in, week-out. Alongside demonstrating a disciplined approach to rehab, Robbo assumed an assistant coaching position and again, played an important role in engaging and developing the emerging talent. This commitment to the club and the playing group encapsulates what Robbo has given to Marcellin and why he is such a respected character at The Nest.

The Robertson family have been amazing contributors to the Marcellin Footy Club over a long period of time. James’ sisters, Laura and Georgina, are both brilliant footballers in their own right, having represented the Sheagles in our Women’s program since its inception. And their mother, Sue, who has volunteered countless hours in various match day official and administrative roles over the past decade, is one of the true off-field heart beats of the club. There will be no louder voices in the crowd on Saturday than James’ family as he takes the field in his milestone match.

There was a point as recent as earlier this year following an injury when even Robbo himself was unsure as to whether he would reach this 150^th game milestone. But through his characteristic determination and the need for a mature head to balance out a young developing side, the ever-reliable Robbo found himself back in the senior side in Round 5 and has not missed a beat since.

Robbo – on behalf of the entire Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club community, congratulations on 150 games in the maroon, gold and blue. You are a much-loved figure and it has been a pleasure to watch, coach and play alongside you over the journey. You’re a true Marcellin man and we thank you for all that you have contributed to our great club. All the best for Saturday. Go Eagles!

Daniel McMahon and Joshua James

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Bradley Perillo

Congratulations to Brad Perillo on 100 games at MOCFC, a journey that began back in 2016. Brad was one of many from the Class of 2015 to play footy for the Old Collegians. A classy wingman who, in recent times, has transformed into a big-bodied midfielder.

After two years of Under 19s football under Simon Abrahams, Brad was selected in the Round 1 senior team against Old Geelong in 2018. During the same year, Brad achieved the rare feat of playing at all three levels — seniors, reserves, and thirds — in one season.

Brad became a mainstay of the reserves side during this time, playing every game in 2019. However, work commitments led to his retirement from footy after the 2021 season. That retirement lasted two years, with Brad returning to the club in 2024.

The two-year hiatus treated Brad well, with many hours spent in the gym. He returned as a big-bodied midfielder, ready to be deployed into the thirds midfield. During his return season, Brad managed 16 games, kicked 15 goals, and was named among the best players on eight occasions.It has been a pleasure to play footy with Brad and I wish you the best of luck for the upcoming weekend. Go well!

Zac Tolley

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Michael Avramopolous

Big shoutout to Michael “Avro” on notching up his 50th game this week! It’s a huge milestone, not just for him but for the whole team.

It’s been a great ride since we first joined Marcellin, just wanting to play footy with some mates and have a bit of fun. Back then we were getting smashed most weeks… now we’re sitting on top of the ladder.

Originally not a midfielder, Avro’s stepped into the role with a change of position and a bit of inspiration from the iconic #36 Dane Swan. There are some striking similarities between the two, the beard, the grit, the ability to throw himself into every contest, do all the dirty work, and still sneak forward to slot a goal or two.

Since joining the club he’s picked up a few accolades, from Best & Fairest to Beer Pong Champ (though I’ll always say I carried him for that one). His commitment to the team is unquestionable, always showing up, injured or not, doing everything he can to help the team get over the line.

Can’t wait to run out alongside you for your 50th. You’ve well and truly earned it and I’ve got no doubt you’ll rise to the occasion.

Go well mate!

Will McGregor

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Joel Cecala

This weekend we celebrate a big milestone for one of the all-time great characters of the club, Joel ‘Checkers’ Cecela, notching up 50 games.

I’ve had the joy of playing footy with Checkers since way back in Year 7 and honestly not a whole lot has changed. He’s still that same smooth mover, a great user of the footy, fearless at the contest, and always looking to bring his teammates into the game.

After a long hiatus in the top paddock, Checkers has made a triumphant return to the Marcellin nest this season, his first since 2018. Let’s just say the 2018 version of Joel wouldn’t recognise the rig on him now. His time away clearly did him well. He now models himself on the great Ben Cousins and refuses to put butter on his toast.

But we can’t forget the golden years. Circa 2017 to 2018, Checkers’ game-day prep was nothing short of elite. Late Friday night clubbing into a Saturday Macca’s run with Cliff, large Big Mac meal and a frappe, and somehow he still tore it up. True athlete.

Off the field, Checka is the glue guy who keeps everyone connected. When the clock hits 6pm on a Friday or Saturday, you can be sure that “What’s doing tonight?” is landing in at least ten different group chats. He’s always up for a good time.

It’s a credit to Joel the way he’s slotted straight back into the club this year, not just as a footballer but as one of the most loved blokes at the club. I can’t wait to run out with him for his 50th and then cause a ruckus along Swan Street later that evening.

Congrats Checka, here’s to plenty more games, beers, and frappe meals to come. Stay out of that photo booth at Nest Ball.

Nathan Whelan