Milestone arrives but Lions leader only has eyes for flag
JESSE Derrick will play his 150th senior game for Palm Beach Currumbin in today’s QAFL grand final in what could double as his final match as co-captain.
The respected midfielder will reach the milestone against the Cats, with whom he played 100 games, as he chases a second straight premiership with the Lions at Leyshon Park, Yeronga.
“It’s funny how it has fallen on grand final day,” Derrick said of his milestone.
“The focus is all on the grand final and having all three grades from seniors, reserves and colts, in there.
“The milestone is something I’ll look on down the track and I’ll be proud of it.”
Derrick has been captain of the Lions for five seasons and led the side alongside teammate Stephen Thynne in 2018.
The club have been preparing for the 29-year-old to take a step back in 2019 and brought in Tyler Cornish and Tom Thynne into the leadership group.
Derrick said while it wasn’t set in stone, he would likely step away from the role next year.
“It’s a high possibility,” Derrick said of the move.
“The time is probably right. It’s been really good to captain the group. The way some of the younger guys speak about me and how they tell me they look up to me, it’s a huge honour.
“Mum and Dad would be pretty proud of it. It’s another thing I’ll look back on and cherish a fair bit, especially after last year winning a premiership as captain. It was unreal.
“The club is in such a strong position at the moment in terms of young leaders coming through. There are a number of guys who have played NEAFL footy and have come back to the club after a couple of years and they are flying.
“It has got to a stage where I can take a step back and just enjoy playing footy and let the other guys do their thing.”