Nails O Brien notched his 300 games last weekend in what ended up a brief appearance. Kicking the first goal of the match within minutes of the start of the game, he left the ground soon after with a driver strain.
When picking a best ever in Mid West, it is hard to know whether to have Wade in the backlines, forward lines or on the ball, you would just pick him and worry about where to place him later!
His reputation was built at Centre Half Back, where he took on the best, including Eyre Peninsula level, dominating this position for many years, As good a backman that he is, he is also a dominant forward in his later years, twice winning the MWFL Leading Goalkicker (2011, 2012)
Achievements inlcude-:
Eyre Peninsula Representative Player, Mid West Representative and also Lincoln City representative whilst playing at Lincoln South, Mid West Football League coach and also the current coach (2014, 2015) of the Bulldogs. A highly decorated playing career and an astute coach at all levels. Life Member of the Mortlock Shield, and played well again at the 2015 Mortlock. Premiership player, Mortlock Shield winner, pretty much done it all!
Tall, strongly built and athletic, no easy day when you line up on Nails. An exceptional contested mark and long accurate (most of the time?) kick. As a Centre Half Back, he was able to read the incoming ball and set up rebound attack for his team, no centre half forward was able to match him for strength. Even now, moves accross the ground quickly and whilst enjoying being at full forward in his later years, he is a huge head ache for opposition sides.
Hailing front a great Eyre Peninsula sporting family, Nails has played with three brothers, Craig, Brett and Darren, and all excel in other sports also. Well supported by wife Kelly, and two children Emerson and Balyn (Boof). The famous Bulldog number five is re emerging with Boof showing all the promise of skill that his father has delivered.
No doubt that he would dearly love to coach his beloved 'Dogs to a premiership, and they are well in the mix this year again, maybe only missing out last year with a horror run on the injury front.
Wade is held in enormous respect by his team, all in Mid West and also accross the Eyre Peninsula. 300 games is a great achievement, and he is congratulated on this fantastic milestone.
Last Modified on 19/06/2015 19:22