Our chief interviewer from #ChalkFM, Troy Auld, caught up with Maso ahead of his 200th Game tomorrow, take a look below.
The Stanhope Football Club will this weekend celebrate a fantastic achievement with Jarad 'Punda' Mason playing his 200th Senior game with the Lions against the Murchision Grasshoppers. Lions fans will best reflect on Maso as a goal kicking midfielder with express pace. A player with plenty passion for the Maroon and Gold jumper he has also helped lead higher standards amongst the playing group at the group with his commitment to training and desire for results. This week we caught up with the high achiever who also had a successful stint at the Shepparton East Football Club playing in two Premierships and a Best & Fairest.
Troy Auld: Firstly Congratulations Jerry on a fine achievement of reaching 200 Senior Games with the Stanhope Lions. How do you reflect upon the achievement? I just think I have been very lucky to play so many games for a successful club and to do that along side mates that I have grown up with makes it even better.
Take us back to your first senior game Jez. Who was it against? What year? and how did the Tongan Express from Johnson Rd fare on debut?
Jarrad Mason: My first game was against Rushy at Rushy in 1998, didn't get much game time but did play on Rod Kirby and restricted him quite well. What Season do you look back at and think that was the best Season I produced in the Maroon and Gold? I think 2001 was probably my best year performance wise. I was only 19 and came runner-up in the league medal behind Andrew Thomas. We also made the grand final but unfortunately lost to Lanky.
TA: You were a part of the 2000 Premiership Team that broke a 13-year Premiership Drought for the Club in rampaging fashion against Nagambie do you remember much about the day and the hype attached to it?
JM: I can't really remember much cause I was only 18 so didn't really understand the significance of the win at the time. I do remember there was a lot of celebrating afterwards which went for quite a few days.
TA: The Club had heartbreak in 2005 and 2006 losing both Grand Finals by under a kick what impact do you recall that having on the club?
JM: I do remember it was a very dark period in my career, but the club was still running quite well. We had about 80% locals in the senior side but there was still a lot of questions being asked whether we could get the job done on the big stage.
TA: 2007 and 2008 were better days for the Club with Back to Back Premierships in convincing fashion against the Ardmona Cats and you had the honor of being a Premiership skipper what do you recall about those teams? And what does that achievement sit in the pecking order for you?
JM: Certainly was a honour to co-captain those premiership sides, I do remember the 2007 side was very determined to not let the same thing happen again as the 2 previous years. We had big Aaron James up forward both 07/08 so it made life a lot easier. We still had a lot of locals playing in both sides which was good also. I remember the 07 celebrations went for nearly a week which took me a long time to get over. These premierships I rate very highly more so because over half the players in the side I grew up with which made it more special.
TA: Having played in a number of successful teams throughout the journey to 200 who do you rate as some of the great players that you have played with? and against from an opponent point of view?
JM: I have played with some good players over the years like Gavin Excell, Aaron James, Glen Hogdins, Hoota, Ash Comer and Daryl Harrison just to name a few. One of the best opponents would have to be Damien Yze he was a super star.
TA: What you have enjoyed the most about being a player at the Stanhope Football Club over the years?
JM: I have enjoyed playing with all my mates and obviously winning flags with your mates is even better.
TA: Season 2016 is building with plenty of promise. How have you've assessed the Season to date and the prospects of the team heading into the business end of the year? I think we have played some good football in patches and we are in a good position to put a solid end of the season in just as long as we play good team football.
TA: You've were a solid soldier on many end of Season Footy Trips, I can actually remember waking one morning in Tasmania and looking to the corner of the room and you were there posing as a pot plant mumbling words that never quite made it into the English language. Which one was your favourite Footy Trip Jez man?
JM: My favourite footy trip would have to be Adelaide 2006, I can still remember nearly getting kicked out of our accommodation first night we were there which wasn't good. Way too many stories to tell so I better leave it there he he.
TA: You've played in Flags, won numerous trophies, played Interleague Footy and now have hit the 200 game milestone. What do you see as the path ahead in regards to your involvement in Footy?
JM: To tell you the truth I haven't really thought much past this year, maybe in the future wouldn't mind getting involved in junior football but that would be about it.
All the Best for a big game this Saturday against the Murchison Grasshoppers Jerry and well done on your valuable contribution to the Stanhope Lions Football Club over a long period.
Last Modified on 24/06/2016 15:42