Power and the passion
ALL- AUSTRALIANS, AFL coaches and local football legends.
Reece Woods has played alongside the who’s who of footy in a decorated 200-game career.
And a stack of those players, including triple Geelong premiership player and champion full back Matthew Scarlett, paid tribute to “Rooster” Woods before he notched the milestone against Newtown & Chilwell on Saturday.
Scarlett, who coached the Swans from 2013 to 2015, led the chorus of well wishers in a 10-minute long tribute.
“Rooster, congratulations mate,” Scarlett said.
“It’s a fantastic milestone. The things that stand out to me, and the thing I mostly admire about you mate, is your commitment to the footy club and your passion.
“You’ve been a great driver of that wonderful culture for a long time, so congratulations.”
Joining Scarlett in the video message were current AFL coaches Dale Amos, who played and coach at South from 1996 to 2008 and is an assistant at Carlton) and Essendon assistants Mark Corrigan (2007-2014) and Paul Corrigan (2007-2012).
Current AFL stars Scott Thompson who is now at North Melbourne but played for South Barwon 2004-2007, and Tom Stewart, who was recruited to Geelong after five years at McDonald Reserve, also spoke glowingly of Woods.
“I remember when you first started and you were knocking out blokes and chasing them down,” Thompson said.
“You’ve been a stalwart of the club, so well done, congratulations and I hope your hammies hold up for the game.”
Others to pay tribute were Warwick Knuckey (1998-2009), Ben Raidme (2012-2016), Mitch Herbison (2010-2016), Adam Wiseman (2006-2014), Clinton Wells (1998-2015), James Garvey (2003-2013) and Matt “Burger” Verfurth (1997-2010).
Producing another solid performance against the Eagles, three-time premiership player Woods also received a rap from current Swans’ coach David Farrell.
“I only knew of him when I came to the club 18 months ago and I couldn’t be more impressed,” Farrell said.
“He’s exactly what you would expect.
“He’s having as much fun as it looks like he is, and he was amazing again today (Saturday) in the way he kept putting his head over the footy and demanding high standards from the guys.
“I hope it’s not during my time that he finishes. The club would certainly be poorer for having lost him.”