By Heather Mellican
If you head down to your local footy ground to watch the juniors play and you are lucky enough to see one of the keen aspiring footballers reach their milestone, you can see the smile on their face as they run through the banner their parents slaved over making all week, and the copious amounts of sticky tape that has been used just to make their kid feel like king for the day.
Although the excitement is still present as they grow up, personal achievements tend to take a back seat as many players put the team achievements first.
Things are no different for Ben Clifton who will be reaching his 50 game milestone this week for Coburg.
Although Clifton sees it as a great privilege to have sported the red and blue for 50 games, he still sees this week’s game against Box Hill as another opportunity to put his heart on the line for his team.
“I’m not too fussed about it, it’s just another game that we need to win at the end of the day.”
Clifton has come a long way in his three years at the club and has already racked up some worthy achievements.
“As a Coburg player the best personal achievement was last year coming runner up to Sam Power in the best and fairest,” he said.
“Being named vice captain this year and being voted into the leadership group in my third year were also exciting honours.”
Clifton still remembers the feeling of his first senior game back in his first year and has enjoyed the club culture and relationships he has been able to make over the years that have helped him learn and grow as the footballer he is today.
“All the fun functions and nights out and social gatherings with the boys are also great fun. Just all the different people I have met and got to know over the years has been a highlight.”
Growing up in Seymour is where Clifton’s passion for football first began to flourish from a young age.
As any young kid, he enjoyed cheering on his beloved North Melbourne on the weekends and running around the backyard with his dad, kicking the football and imitating the commentators and crowd as he took screamers and demonstrated some fancy footwork.
“I just enjoyed playing football at primary school in the yard and kicking the footy with dad. But it wasn't until a few of my mates started playing with the local juniors and they convinced me to play.”
“ That’s when I started to love it and haven't looked back since.”
Clifton represented the Seymour Lions in the Goulburn Valley Football League while growing up, learning the ropes and being part of a strong winning team.
He got to taste victory in their Under 18’s premiership, an honour he hopes to achieve at Coburg beside his teammates.
For Clifton, football has always been a passion and has always been about having fun and doing the best you can and he hopes kids growing up with the dream of playing football remember that.
“Just have fun, play it long as you enjoy it and play the highest level you can.”
Clifton’s family will be cheering him on from the sidelines on Saturday as he puts on the red and blue in hope of bringing home a win and making it a 50th game he won’t forget.
Last Modified on 26/04/2012 12:39