Milestone Games – Preliminary Finals 2026

Congratulations to James Barbuto and Ebony Spencer who wil play in their 100th and 50th games this weekend!

James Barbuto

Congratulations to my dear friend James on playing his 100th game for Marcellin.

James brought me to the club in 2021, where we played most of the year together in the Thirds. I don’t think we won too many games that year, but even in those early days, James’ passion for the club and desire to develop those around him was evident.

Over the coming years, through the development of young talent and the recruitment of new players, James, with the help of Al Hardy, has helped turn the Thirds into a professional outfit. Last week, we secured our first finals win in several years — a testament to the standards and culture that have been built within the team.

James demands high standards from those around him and will certainly let you know if you’re not meeting them. This may come across as abrasive to some, but the truth is that James never asks others to do something he wouldn’t already be willing to do himself.

Of all the on-field memories from my time playing with James, one that stands out has to be the famous hot streak of 2024. Over three rounds, James managed to kick 13 goals. Many may wonder how James managed to pull this off. It certainly wasn’t through speed or strength, but through pure footy smarts. It was a privilege to watch James briefly transform into prime Fevola.

All good things must come to an end, however, and unfortunately for James, a mid-season trip to Europe interrupted his hot streak. He was unable to rediscover that form for the finals series. Perhaps, for his 100th game, he can wind back the clock one more time.

It has been an honour to know Barb, not just as a teammate but as a friend. He is often the first to arrive at training and the last to leave. If the club needs someone to help out, he is usually the first to put his hand up. He loves the club, he loves playing footy, and he has given so much — not only to the Thirds, but to the MOCFC as a whole.

So let’s all get around James this weekend and celebrate an incredible milestone. Hopefully, we can cap it off by walking away with a spot in the Grand Final.

Good luck, James, and thank you for everything you’ve done

Angus Turner

On behalf of the entire Marcellin Old Collegians community, we congratulate and commend James Barbuto on reaching the incredible milestone of 100 games.

Throughout James’ schooling he has always upheld the qualities that hold truest to an honest and respectable Marcellin man and this has clearly progressed into his life outside of Marcellin and is shown throughout his own footballing career.

James started playing for the Marcellin Old Boys in 2019, straight out of school and never had a second thought of playing elsewhere. Before James’ first preseason training session, an Old Boy of the club told James that everyone wears a suit to the first preseason training session. So, James being the gullible person that he is, wore a full suit with some pristine shoes to go with it to training. He soon discovered that nobody wears a suit to training. To James’ credit he laughed it off and moved on.

Throughout James’ career at the mighty Eagles, he has played mostly on the half forward line and has rolled onto the wing from time to time. Though not much of a hard ball getter, he loves a cheeky handball out of a stoppage and a paddock to run into to showcase his silky skills. His classy ball use, patience and smart footy IQ would be a dream for any coach to have and forwards adore when he has the ball and is kicking towards their direction. Though his skills did not use to be this classy, he has improved substantially to compliment his excellent running capacity. James played U19s football for two years before progressing into the mighty Thirds playing group which has been his homeland ever since. At times dipping into the reserves when needed. This man is the truest example of a person who lives and breathes this footy club.

Off the field, James has single-handedly held and maintained a Marcellin Thirds team over an incredibly difficult period over many years. Whilst balancing work, family and many other commitments, he has somehow found time when thrown in the deep end to manage the Thirds team whilst playing himself. On top of this, he has taken on extra responsibilities within the clubs committee to ensure Marcellin is a club that has an exciting future ahead. He is currently still playing in the mighty Thirds as the fearless captain and is pushing the Thirds deep into their finals campaign.

James has done everything he can for this footy club and will continue to as he advances his career at the club that he truly adores. I welcome all players and supporters to watch this great man play his 100th game and showcase his classy skills. Go well mate!

Ben Rodwell

Ebony Spencer

I am so excited to celebrate Ebs 50th game!

Eb and I met a long time ago. I can’t believe believe we met almost (redacted) years ago. Back then we were just some cool year 9 Bulleen Boomer ballers that had giant side fringes and ankle guards. Now here we are all those (redacted) years later gearing up for another finals campaign with the sheags.

Eb was the one to invite me along to a my first sheags training back in 2017, and what a year to be a part of the club and sheags history. Our first year of footy and a premiership to tie off the season. A premiership where Eb Spencer kicks a snag to seal the deal. There are no words to describe the feeling of winning with one of your closest friends. Chills, literal chills.

Eb is then recruited back as a sheag in 2023. Following an almost dislocated knee from the end of season trip (sorry!), a premiership at Greensborough FC and a broken wrist from falling off a hover board. Eb has a cracker of a year and is key to another Sheags premiership by being a relentless tagger on some unmemorable Beaumaris player.

This year Eb is back again to prove that us oldies still can do it! Each week you’ve stepped up and I think I speak for the team when I say your determination and strength is truly inspiring. We are all incredibly lucky to have you on the field with us.

Eb on a night out. Where do I begin? I can guarantee she will be the last one out. I would even bet that Eb would put Wiz to shame there. You are the most fun and the best at celebrating a Grand Final. I never have to doubt that you will bring the good times and shuffles to the dance floor. We can always count on you to make a night unforgettable. Remember when (redacted story).

Thank you for always being an incredible friend. I’m so excited to celebrate you this weekend and everything that you’ve brought to this team. You make everyone around you laugh with your spirit and humour.

Never stop gabbering on the sidelines.
Never stop being competitive.
Never stop showing up.
Never stop being the last one out.

Congrats Eb! Love you big time!!

Anja Anderson