GEE-LONGEST KICK
TIM Barton drop punted a Sherrin 51minto 51m into a headwind on Malop St yesterday to win the city’s newest footy contest.
BELL Post Hill superboot Tim Barton has claimed the unofficial crown as the gee-longest kicker of a footy in Geelong.
A multi-premiership winner in the GDFL, Barton launched a 51m drop punt down Malop St during Sunday’s celebrations to open stage one of the city’s green spine facelift.
It was an unusual scene on the oft-busy thoroughfare as local male and female footballers bombed Sherrins from the pedestrian crossing towards Moorabool St.
A crisp winter’s headwind from Johnstone Park made conditions difficult for the kickers.
Claudia Gunjaca, of the Geelong West Giants, won the women’s kickoff with a 38m drop punt, while placegetters in the men’s comp were Anakie’s Nathan Kenyon (48m) and Cameron O’Leary of Barwon Heads (46m). The winners each scored their club a $500 donation, Barton saying he hoped the Panthers would spend the money on their junior program. The key defender shanked his first kick into the crowd before hitting his final contender sweetly and watching it sail past the 50m mark. City of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said the friendly contest was a great way for the footy-mad city to mark the start of a project that will transform the mood of central Geelong. He promised many more fun events along Malop St in the future, and more work as the green spine is extended. “There’s a lot more work to be done,” Cr Harwood said.
CoGG and the State Government spent $8 million reshaping the shopping strip with trees, greenery and bike lanes.
Injured Cats big man Esava Ratugolea was on hand to witness the kick-off, but didn’t test out his recovering broken ankle, telling the crowd he is on track to return this season.
Geelong state MP Christine Couzens said the work on Malop St had been worthwhile.
“This project emphasises the important economic and social benefits that Malop St brings to Geelong with its vibrant shopping area and the popular pedestrian crossing linking Westfield and Market Square shopping centres,” she said.