DALE Hurst will become the fourth player to pull on the Hillwood Football Club jumper 400 times on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 40-year-old, who made his seniors debut in 1994, will reach the significant milestone against Scottsdale at Shark Park and join an exclusive club that features Craig Jenkins (460), his brother Nigel Hurst (431) and Mark Donnelly (418).
Hillwood was born into Hurst’s blood with his parents John (Jacko) and Judith both long-standing life members and active participants at the club.
John is still the trainer after 37 years and Judith can be seen in the Sharks’ kiosk on game day.
The Hurst brothers – Nigel (431), Dale (400), Richard (279) and Adrian (113) – will have also played 1223 matches for the club come this weekend.
“I just hope for a good game and a good outcome,” Hurst, who started his journey playing in the under-12s Tamar Valley compeition, said.
“I’m not one for changing clubs too much. I’ve played in a couple of losing grand finals and winning a reserves flag in 2001 would have to be the highlight.
“I’ve mostly played at full back but I’ve had a go at most positions really.”
The father-of-three said he still enjoys playing week in, week out and that he will continue to do so for as long as his body allows him.
“I’ve been fairly injury free so we’ll just have to see what happens I suppose,” he said.
“It would be good if we could win another flag this year.”
Hillwood’s reserves are placed fifth with a 5-6 win-loss record, with Scottsdale just two points behind.
THE HURST FILE
- Made his senior debut in 1994
- Has played 399 club games, including 23 finals
- Three grand finals, including a reserves premiership in 2001
- Has spent a majority of his career at full back
- Has kicked 40 goals