Milestone Games – Saturday 10 August 2024

Congratulations to Blake Salerno, Caleb Barry, Laura Page and Lleyton McCormack who will all play their 50th this weekend!

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Blake Salerno

It’s with great honour today that I write this piece celebrating our very own Blake “nugget” Salerno before his 50^th game. To reach 50 games this quickly since joining the club shows his unwavering level of commitment to his fitness and recovery. Although he was nowhere to be seen early on in preseason this year, once he finally returned and hit the track, the competition was put on serious notice.

Blake and I’s journey together began back in Italian class in 2016 where we quickly bonded over our shared opinion that Michael Jordan is indeed the true GOAT. Since then, we have shared many memories together over the years. Our legendary sporting rivalry extended many years on the basketball court and the footy field until we finally decided to join forces at Marcellin OCFC. Together, we have experienced the true peaks the sporting world has to offer (winning Monday night division 5 basketball).

After two very consistent, solid years in under 19’s, Blake was destined to make his senior debut in 2024. Although he was asked to play a thankless role as a high half forward, he embraced it and never complained. This is a testament to the type of player and person he is. Blake has quickly become a well-respected player at the club due to the way he plays the game. He’s tough in the contest and always willing to put his body on the line. His team first attitude and willingness to do whatever the coaches ask of him, has earned him continued spots in the seniors throughout 2024.

Blake is a great teammate to have, as you know what you’re going to get from him each week. Hard, honest football, mixed in with a bit of umpire abuse. Luckily for him, he was Matty Russell’s favourite so he was exempt from the immediate benching rule for giving away 50s in under 19’s.

I’ve got no doubt he will continue to be a valuable player and person to this club for many years to come. Congratulations on 50 games mate, go well and I’m expecting at least a 4 goal haul.

Ryan Gurney

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Caleb Barry

Congratulations to big bad Caleb “Barracuda” Barry on reaching 50 games for Marcellin, 50 games at any club is a testament to a dedicated individual, especially someone who is yet to hit 21.

I first came across Caleb Barry playing footy at lunchtime of Year 7, watching him come flying in from all angles, taking out as many bodies as possible, with or without taking the mark. Barry continued to do this throughout his school and local career, terrorising all those who graced the field with him, myself included. After graduating highschool, Barry decided to take his talents back to the Bray and play for Marcellin.

First playing u19s under Matty Russell he was immediately a force to be reckoned with in his bottom age year. It was at this time when Barry began to become the ultimate swingman, playing the spine of the ground each week. Often starting at Full forward or centre half forward, before a spell in the ruck, then moving down to full or centre half back. This versatility earned him a debut late in his first season, playing against Monash away on a dark and wet day in Clayton. Early in the game, Barry did what Barry does best and came flying out of Full Forward, sending bodies flying through the air and taking a pack mark. After this, everyone now knows to not stand in his way.

Barry also has a rugby background from his time living in Sydney, meaning that if he lined you up for a tackle, he will give you the full experience. He tucks down his head, and drives his shoulder before lifting up the opposition and piling them into the ground. More times than once we have witnessed this occur on the field before a flurry of jumper punches follow, which Barry usually wins.

Barry continues to do this today, now having cemented his spot into the senior side this year, playing the full length of the spine, often all 5 positions in one game. However this is a testament to his selfless character and helping those around him on and off the field.

Congratulations on the milestone brutha, hope we have many more games together in the future.

Mac Ryan

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Laura Page

This week, we get to celebrate someone who truly exemplifies team-first football and profound dedication to the Women’s program. Laura Page, it’s finally your time!

When I talk about dedication, I’m not using the word lightly. Laura has put in eight years with our team to reach this milestone. I should note, that includes the challenging year of 2020 and a season up north in 2022. Despite all that, it feels like Laura should be celebrating her 100th game. It’s very much in her style to make an entrance fashionably late, so it’s only fitting that she’s reaching this milestone way later than the rest of the OG’s.

Laura joined our inaugural team with a netballer background that offered unique tenacity and drive. She quickly became a key player in shaping our team culture, always present at events and making them enjoyable. From the moment I met Laura, her quick wit and genuine, caring nature drew me in.
We shared in the joy of the 2017 premiership, even though Laura modestly downplays her minutes on the field that day. What always stood out for me was her connection to the victory, regardless of this. That was when I realized I played alongside a truly selfless and exceptional person at our club—a person we needed to hold onto. A person I could learn a lot from.

Watching Laura’s journey from ‘18 onwards was impressive. She flourished in the new Reserves team and played a key role in another premiership. Laura quickly established herself as a reliable midfielder, and eventually became the Reserves captain.. a natural fit for someone with her demeanor.

Laura’s leadership helped create an environment that was not only fun and wholesome, but also incredibly nurturing. So much so, I ensured myself to be dropped from the 1s for a game because I was so eager to be part of this wonderful environment. Her impact extended beyond the field; she supported players at varying stages of their journey—whether they were vying for a spot in the senior team, or finding their place in their first year of footy. Pretty tough gig in my opinion, but she pulled it off effortlessly.

My friendship with Lauz flourished through 2020/21, as I was thrust into a leadership position myself. Shaking in my boots, I turned to Laura a lot during this period, with phone calls during the week to understand how to best portray myself as a young leader at the club. Laura lifted me up, provided sound advice and gave me the confidence to play this valued role. I’m not sure I credit her enough for this. As I said, a person to learn a lot from.

In fact, we learnt a LOT about Laura throughout this period. One, that her tolerance for a good time would wane as years passed. Two, that she was relatively injury prone. Three, that she should be banned from boundary umpiring ever again. Four, to tell Laura the event starts at 4pm so she arrives at the actual start time of 7pm. Five, that her strong alliance with Tony Franklin didn’t protect her from copping a sideline spray. Six, that no matter how tough training is.. Laura will not part with her Country Road jumper or Jaggad jacket (it’s really never THAT cold, is it?). And seven, don’t get a vaccine the day before a footy game. Noted.

In 2022, I had the pleasure of traveling to Townsville to visit Laura and her partner, Nathan—who, by the way, I like to think I had a hand in pairing together (leading to a wonderful Queensland holiday for all involved). I had the chance to watch Laura play for the Curra Swans, where her game sense outshone her opponents, and her infectious energy continued to build and enhance their team culture. It’s clear that no matter where Laura goes, she makes a positive impact to those around her. There’s a funny story about some toad racing, a few too many drinks and a shared bathroom facility in a bungalow wildlife park.. but that’s a story for another day.

Despite facing significant injuries over the last couple years that kept her sidelined for months at a time, Laura’s drive and loyalty to her rehab have been nothing short of inspiring. Yes… another premiership… with broken fingers, again, Laura shared in this victory to full extent despite being injured. Laura downplays these challenges as mere bumps in the road and continues to move forward with resilience. Again, much to learn from Lauz.

Laura pours her heart into everything she does, and how wonderful is the unwavering support and love she shares with everyone around her. Here’s to many more memories and laughs together. Thank you for all you’ve done for us and for the Women’s program overall. We will salute the number 39 this weekend!

Lani Pane

Pagey! Where to start!?

I’m going to start by saying how lucky I am to have been asked to stand up and talk about the amazing person that you are!

You truly embody everything a teammate should be and so it’s no surprise that we gear up to celebrate your 50 Games at Marcellin.

Most people won’t know this, but Pagey and I met in January 2019 at the Australian Open when Rushy and I had a few spare tickets Rushy asked some Marcellin players if they wanted to join us. Said players, Pagey and Dikka! Pagey was, as you’d expect, super lovely and friendly but it was also during this day, where looking back now, I should have realised Pagey’s never give up and full commitment attitude would guarantee she would always make this milestone. Why!? Because I’m pretty sure she spent every possible moment trying to convince me to come and play for Marcellin, Rushy may have worded her up that she’d been trying to convince me too. Look where we are now!

It’s her never give up attitude and her commitment, combined with her footy smarts and positive attitude that makes playing footy with Pagey a delight.

Despite meeting in 2019, Pagey and I played our first season of footy together in 2023 and it was then that I could to see what so many people had told me Pagey was like playing footy. Strong, smart, tactical and leads by example. They were right!

Pagey, both on and off the field you demonstrate our JAR IT values.
Unfortunately, injuries have not been kind to you in the last two years but have you missed a beat, absolutely not! Your determination to always come back stronger is inspiring.

Despite the injuries, you have been at every game and it’s never enough for you to sit back and watch, you are always the first to put your hand up to help. Usually this is running water in your beautiful orange top.

So here’s to you, here’s to your 50 games and just to let you know, orange isn’t really your colour, we much prefer you in Maroon.

Justina Balch

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Lleyton McCormack

On behalf of the entire Marcellin Old Collegians community, we congratulate and commend Lleyton McCormack on reaching the incredible milestone of 50 games.

It took many years to get Lleyton across to the mighty maroon, blue and gold. Before Covid, Lleyton was playing for the Eltham Panthers and it took absolutely everything to get him across to us. Eltham knew how good of a player they had but after repeated convictions from many Thirds players about just how good our team was and how it would look playing finals together, he finally gave in. And thank goodness he did.

Watching Lleyton play you may be left questioning his fitness levels based on his post clearance work rate or his ability to venture out of the forward 50 but what you don’t see is Lleytons high football IQ going to work. Whether he is playing midfield or forward, Lleyton knows exactly where to position himself so he can put himself in the best possible position to do the most damage. Lleyton’s two way running may also be questioned at times but his intensity moving forward of the ball will forever be unmatched. Any tackling drill goes to a whole new level when Lleyton steps in. He is not only demanding of his teammates but equally ferocious at the ball carrier. Opposition coaches are often too late to put a tag on him as he can turn a game in a matter of minutes with his crafty skills and contested work.

Committed, loyal and cheeky are words to describe Lleyton off the field. Lleyton is always early at training and gameday, and often seen driving teammates to these commitments. A clear example of Lleyton’s selflessness to the team. Lleytons leadership and commitment in making our Thirds team the best it possibly can be is never questioned.

With all the seriousness that comes out of playing football, Lleyton always finds the cheeky side to the game. Sending an unrestricted amount of gifs to the Thirds Facebook chat during a Nest Ball, to the point where he had to be removed from the chat, taking it upon himself to take the coin toss without the consideration of other teammates and making sure every player understands that he is the Thirds No.1 forward after previous seasons goal kicking statistics.

Ben Rodwell