Chucky hopes for final high
GEELONG Amateur great Tim Clark says he’ll be “forever lucky” his father picked Queens Park as the place he’d play football.
The veteran Ammo will call time on his senior career after today’s BFL grand final, which will be his 10th for his beloved green and blue.
A sixth premiership would cap off a stunning career that includes two best-and-fairests, three BFL interleague bestafield awards, and stints as both captain and coach.
“I’m forever lucky my dad picked Ammos and knew people down here when I was a kid, that I had this as my club, because we’ve been able to be involved and go deep into finals campaigns nearly every year,” Clark said.
“I know some fantastic blokes throughout other clubs in the BFL that haven’t been lucky enough to get that opportunity.”
“Chucky”, as he’s affectionately known, said family would become his priority after dedicating a lifetime to the club.
“It will be sad to walk away from that real competitive side of things, but I don’t think I’ll be getting too emotional,” he said.
“I’m sure I might get roped into filling in, but I’ve got a couple of kids at home, a lovely wife and a business that I’m running that’s taking up a lot of my time.
“It’s not leaving many hours for anything else but I’m sure I’ll get dragged out into the twos at some point when they’re short.”
While finals have become part and parcel at Ammos in recent history, Clark said another flag would be just as special as the rest.
“Nothing beats success in footy and winning flags, it’s what we play for,” he said.
“They’re always a bit different. I think the past few years we’ve gone into the finals relatively strong and fit whereas this year has been a little bit more of a challenge but we’ve got everyone right for the last day of the year.
“Winning would just be like any flag. It would bring a lot of joy to yourself and your family and everyone at the club. I’m just looking forward to the day and getting the job done before worrying about the celebrations.”
But Clark said it would be the perfect way to bow out.
“There’ll be a lot of pride in what I’ve been able to achieve with the group — if it’s five or six premierships, you’d certainly take that at the start of your career if you were asked that,” he said. “I’ve just got a hell of a lot of enjoyment (out of my career) and made a lot of friends.”