Milestone Games – Round 17 2026

Congratulations to Ry Elphinstone who will play in their 150th game this weekend!

A huge congratulations to Ry Elphinstone on 150 games, a massive achievement.

Ry has developed into one of the most reliable key defenders in the VAFA, which respectfully, is a long way from the player he was when he first arrived at the club. Arriving post year 12 to play with his mates Za’s always been a social stalwart of the club, but in the meantime he’s fully invested himself in his on field development, and has become a player many wouldn’t have thought possible when he arrived. Ry can look himself in the eye and say he’s got the best out of himself in these 150 games, which is something he should absolutely be proud of.

While Ry’s development has shocked a few of us, he always had confidence in his ability to shut down opposing forwards. Evidence of this was his claim that Esava Rategoluea wouldn’t kick more than 4 goals in a Prem C game, or that he wouldn’t lose sleep if he had to play on Jack Darling tomorrow.

I also think Ry has confused some of his coaches through the journey due to his mix of elite traits as well as his uncanny kicking. This was made clear when Ry was picked in the 3s one week, only to do the famous double jump and be selected in the 1s the following week – a feat not many can claim.

While his kicking has certainly improved, it’s been his intercept marking that’s been the biggest development in his game. Shutting down opponents has been Ry’s strength for a long time, however being able to take pressure off the backline with an intercept mark and help the team turn defence into attack has been a string added to his bow in recent seasons, which has become invaluable.

Ry is the kind of guy this club is built on, he’ll make anyone feel welcome, puts his hand up to help out (even seriously considered putting his hand up for the presidency), and plays an unglamorous but crucial role in the team. If everyone goes out on Saturday with the same dedication to their role and the club that he does there’s no doubt it’ll be a W.

That’s as long as he doesn’t have a heart attack from his pre game 2x red bull/solo energy drink + 2x No-Doz’s.

Go well Saturday Boss and congratulations on a massive achievement and impressive career so far.

Steven Fitzgerald

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When I did the write up for Ry’s 100th game, I used all my good content, feeling very confident that he wouldn’t make it to 150. I thought 100 games for a cumbersome defender who can’t kick was a great achievement, and that Frosty wouldn’t be tapping me on the shoulder for another write up, there was no way Ry could churn out another 50. Alas, Ry’s footballing ability defied me again, and here we are with another write up.

Defying doubters has been the cornerstone of Ry’s career at the MOCFC, however now the facts can be irrefutable; he has put together a stellar career to date that anyone would be proud of.
149 games with 25.5% TIBP (time in best percentage) is fair going for a player who takes the oppositions best key forward weekly, and may only have a handful of touches himself.
For comparison, fellow teammates percentages include Rush (23.8%), May (19%) and Watty (21%).

Ry’s football strengths lie in 3 key areas;
Intercepting
Accountability
Leadership

Intercepting
A large portion of Ry’s 149 games predated Premier Data, so exact statistics are not clear. It is suspected by those who have watched Ry for many years, that he has taken more intercept marks from opposition kicks than marks taken from teammate kicks. Whether this says more about Ry’s ability to read the flight better than others, or his teammates lack of faith in him having possession in the back half of the ground remains unclear.
What is clear however, is Ry’s intercepting has been a standout of his games for a decade, and often a thorn in the side of the opposition. Not a flashy, high flying/drift in from the side style – just an old fashioned sit under it with bravery style that has earned him the respect of all at the club.

Accountability
A quality I really appreciate in Ry, is how filthy he is when he gets beaten by his opponent. Ry’s defend first mentality has made him a favourite among coaches for the past decade.
What I don’t admire however, is the position Ry takes up when he does get beaten. He always stands the same way, bent over hands on knees, arse sticking up in the air. This, coupled with his shorts that have been through the dryer a few too many times times, does not make for good viewing. Perhaps Ry should try turning 180 degrees while his opponent lines up, he’d be sure to have clean sheets more often.

Leadership
A vocal leader on field, Ry is always happy to set the ground up from behind and instruct his younger teammates on their positioning. Consistency in his performance, preparation (way too much sugar for mine), and presence around the footy club has made Ry the respected figure that he is today.

I have also got additional comments from some fellas Ry has played a lot of footy with:

Lachy Rush
Not bad for a big slow bloke who can jump or kick mate. The general down back for the last 8 years taking the best fwd most weeks. Well done to you big man can’t wait to run out and get the win for you this weekend

Andrew Menegas
Congratulations on reaching 150 games, Ryan.

I continue to admire your dedication to the club and entrenching yourself as a stalwart of the playing group.

What has always stood out to me is how you go about your football. You love the nuances of footy, possessing great knowledge around the local landscape and how you have embraced matching up against some really good footballers. Still remember you presenting me my first jumper and your ability to lead and lift myself and your teammates up around you.

Go well mate, Mena

Bradley Perillo
A great clubman and a great leader on and off the field, Ryboss has a knack for making everyones face light up when he enters a room. Ry always has time for all players/coaches/helpers, across all teams, and it’s something I truly respect about the great man.

My favorite memory of Ry is when Mitch Brown had a double double on his ass.

Ry, congratulations on your 150th mate. An amazing achievement and the first from the 2015 draft class to reach this milestone. Been a pleasure to watch you over the years, and don’t forgot that my offer of drop punt lessons is always available to you.

8 more games to pass your old man’s games tally, so somewhere between 8-49 more games so there isn’t another write up. I dare say there is a seat at the coterie group table with your name on it the day you hang up the boots.

Julia Maugeri
Oh gosh, I don’t have too many thoughts, I’m frankly surprised he’s somehow still playing / his body hasn’t fallen apart on him in his old age. But no I’ve been very impressed and am very proud of his commitment / dedication / loyalty to footy and the club as a whole. he puts his 110% into everything he does and footy has been no exception! A very exciting milestone for him!!

Go well,

Daniel Lunn

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Congratulations to Ry Elphinstone on 150 games for the Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club, a milestone 10 years in the making highlighting his commitment to the club. Ry career stats currently read as 149 games played, 12 goals and 38 times in the best players.

Ry began his career at the club in 2016, along with many others from the Class of 2015 and established himself in the Under 19s at full-back under the tutelage of Simon Abrahams. In his first season, Ry booted 6 goals and was named in the best 4 times and earned him a debut in Reserves that year. As many of our friends moved on from playing football, Ry continued committing each and every preseason showing his loyalty to the club.

In 2018, Ry did the unthinkable and completed the trifecta of playing in every team in one season which ultimately led to his senior debut. He hasn’t looked back since as he has become a mainstay of the senior team except for 2024 when a certain senior coach believed he was ‘overweight’ and therefore couldn’t be selected in the senior team. Stiff. However, since Round 2, 2025 Ry has not looked back leading the back 6 and remaining positive even when times have been difficult. Rys continued loyalty and reliability has now turned into leadership where you see him using his voice on ground and participating strongly in meetings and reviews.

Ry has three loves in his life: Julia, family and caffeine. The amount of caffeine that is consumed pre-game is a sight to behold and you will usually hear him say “clocking on” before every game. This indicates caffeine consumption has begun, and Ry is ready for the oppositions best key forward. All jokes aside, 150 games of local football are a huge achievement and it’s a reflection of everything Ry brings to this club, loyalty, leadership and a concerning amount of caffeine. It’s been a pleasure to be part of your football journey Ry and here’s to many more games to come.

Zac Tolley