Honeymoon stops Jesse
JESSE Derrick’s proud record of having missed only two games since he first played top grade in 2006 is about to end – courtesy of wedding bells.
One of the most durable players going around in the state league, Derrick is set to chalk up game No.126 for Palm Beach-Currumbin when they host the Western Magpies in a QAFL clash at Salk Oval today at 2pm.
All going well he will make it to 127 the following weekend against Broadbeach but that is when the run will come to an end for the 29-year-old.
Derrick is getting married to long-time girlfriend Amanda on Monday.
He intends to play against Broadbeach the following weekend before he takes off for a three-week honeymoon in Italy.
Last year’s QAFL Grogan Medal winner has a remark- able record for longevity in local Aussie rules.
As a 16-year-old PBC junior, Derrick played state footy for Broadbeach from 2006 to 2011, playing 102 games and missing only one.
That was when he copped a fractured cheekbone from teammate Jackson Emblem.
Derrick went back to PBC in 2012 and has since missed only the one game – when he went to Byron Bay for the Splendour in the Grass music festival that year.
This time around, with PBC having had an influx of quality midfielders, Derrick has had a superior back-up division than in previous years.
“Jason Burge and Dylan Troutman have been very good for us,” Derrick said.
“So I haven’t been spending as much time in the midfield as I did last year, I’ve been sitting out on a lot.”
Given Derrick’s last significant injury, the fractured cheekbone in 2006 when he copped the friendly fire from Emblem, it is ironic that Emblem will be back with the Lions after a five-week spell because of a groin injury.
Broadbeach have made eight changes for their trip to play bottom side Sandgate at Lemke Road Oval at Taigum in Brisbane.
Key losses for the Cats include Blake Erickson (recalled by Southport), Eddie Sansbury (work), Brayde Palmer (ankle) and Harrison Kerr (omitted).
Into the Broadbeach side are Seb Rogers and Dylan Lancaster from the Sharks, and regulars Darcy Dienjes and Mitch Brewer.
Premiers Labrador are also on the road, playing WilstonGrange at Hickey Park today with ruckman-forward Jake Goldsmith back to reinstate the tall firepower combo with skipper Bryce Retzlaff.
Charlton Offermans is also back from NEAFL duties with the Gold Coast Suns.