By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
THE Salopek family have had a long, proud and successful history with the Parkside Football Club.
Brothers Enis, Goran and Stretch have played more than 1000 games for the Magpies.
But it isn’t just their on-field achievements that are of note, it is their dedication and support of the club off the field that is what makes the Salopek family a special one.
A chapter in their family history with Parkside will close this season as Enis has decided to hand up his boots.
Enis’ WRFL career spans more than 30 years, more than 400 games and includes an amazing seven premierships.
“I have played in seven grand finals and not lost one,” he said.
The 40-year-old said he still remembers his first game footy he played with Parkside back in 1983.
“I have been playing footy with the club since I was seven year’s old, I started in Under-9’s and have continued to play.”
Enis said his career highlight was winning the 1999 premiership alongside his brothers.
He said playing with his brothers and being able to celebrate their flag success together is something he will never forget.
“Parkside also won the seniors and reserves premierships in 1996, that was great to be a part of and winning the 2003 Division 1 flag was special,” Enis said.
Nicknamed ‘Angry’, Enis said Parkside was an extraordinary club with a great group of people involved.
“Parkside is special,” he said.
“I have made a lot of close mates at the club, we all grew up in the area, and now the younger guys have come on board. “We are a tight nit group.”
Parkside president Shannon French said players at the club walk a bit taller when Enis is around.
“He is the sort pf player that when you take to the field you know he has your back 100 per cent,” he said.
“I have been lucky enough to play alongside him and it has been an absolute pleasure to be able to pull on the jumper and go to war with him each week.”
French said Enis has been a star player over the years and will be sorely missed in 2017.
“He has always been involved with the club, his family does the canteen and whenever the club has any sort of troubles, he has always been there, so of course we will miss him.”
Nowadays, Enis is playing in Parkside’s Division 3 Reserves side.
The Magpies are currently sitting in second spot on the ladder, having won 12 games and lost one.
They will take on Tarneit on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash at Henry Turner Reserve.
Enis is hoping he can extend his premiership tally to eight at the end of the season.
“It has been good year,” he said.
“The seniors have had a couple of losses and we are looking okay, we have only dropped the one game.
“Hopefully we can finish off the year on a good note.”
On Saturday, the club will also be holding a 20 year reunion of their 1996 Seniors and Reserves premierships.
Past players, officials, supporters and families are all encouraged to attend the function.
“From those teams I am the only one still playing footy,” Enis said.
Festivities will kick-off at 12noon.
Last Modified on 03/08/2016 16:23