English family fit bill as true Cutters
FOOTY clubs can be certain things to different people.
For some people, footy clubs can be about health and fitness or maybe spending time with the boys or a place to knock over a beer or two a few times a week.
For South Cairns Cutters veteran Bill English his club, Fretwell Park, is about family.
English, an influential midfielder in the Far North for more than a decade, is edging closer to the 300 game milestone after starting his journey with the Cutters as a seven year old.
At the Cutters’ home, Fretwell Park, you will see the “Nobby English club rooms” plaque, to recognise the English family’s contribution to the club.
The quietly spoken English lets his actions do the talking on the field, one of the most skilful and lead-by-example players in the competition.
“My Dad never played but he always helped out, he coached for a few years,” Bill English said.
“Dad was on the committee of the seniors and the juniors, my two older brothers played as well. The nieces and nephews are always down the club, my young fellas too.
“There is a real family connection within the club.”
Cutters playing-coach Cameron Campbell believes English’s contribution over the journey built what the club’s culture is in 2017.
“The English family has had a long history and been an important part of setting up the club over a many, many years,” Campbell said.
“Bill has been a leader of our footy club for a number of years and always stuck by the club. He has been a massive contributor to AFL Cairns at a senior and junior level for a long time. He is a great person to have around the club and a great leader for the young blokes.”
The club will celebrate English’s 300th game at Round 8 when they host Cairns City Lions at home.
English, Daniel Lock and Paul Buller are the remaining players from the Cutters’ last AFL Cairns premiership 14 years ago when they knocked over North Cairns.
With 2017 likely to be English’s last year in the seniors, he is keen to break that flag drought.
“It is a big carrot for me, I have missed a few so it would be nice to get another one,” English said.
“I enjoy playing with my mates at the footy club more than anything, having a kick with the boys. We are all close mates and there are a lot of boys in the reserves that have been around forever as well.”
South Cairns host North Cairns on Tuesday for the Anzac Day game.