Tim Gray and Justin Mesman are no stranger to each other's presence on the footy field. Both players began their Eastlake journey together some years ago and played together in a stint in the country the past few years. Both players re-joined Eastlake and it seems fitting they will share a big milestone in tomorrow's match vs Belconnen at Manuka Oval. We caught up with Tim and Justin to get their thoughts on reaching 100 senior matches for Eastlake.
EFC: What do you remember about your first senior game for Eastlake?
Justin Mesman (JM): First senior game was in 2006 against Weston Creek, it was back when fringe players used to get a one off game against the Creek. Kicked 3 goals and got dropped the next week.
Tim Gray (TG): I don’t remember too much about my first regular season game, but before my first year we still had the preseason games within AFL Canberra. We played a shortened 2x25min game against the Swans and lost 20 goals to nil. The Swans had Adam Goodes, Nick Davis, Ben Matthews, and Jared Crouch, I don’t think we got the ball in our forward 50. It was a reality check for me coming from the under 18 competition.
EFC: How did you feel leading up to the game?
JM: I was extremely nervous about playing, it took over a year to break into the first grade side, all I wanted to do was play well and try and keep my spot. Unfortunately that didn't work so well.
EFC: What are your thoughts on playing your 100th senior game for the club?
JM: Playing 100 first grade games was always a huge personal goal for me when I started at the club, along with winning a premiership. It's taken a lot longer to reach the milestone than I would have hoped but I am very proud of the achievement given a horrid run with injuries early on in my senior career.
TG: I didn’t think I would get there to be honest. It’s taken me a long time with this being my 10th year at the club, but I feel proud to have played this many games and to have my name on the honour board at the footy club. The club is in a good place and I’ve enjoyed playing back under Dan and now Pete this year. We have a really exciting young group, apart from Mes, Gummers and myself, so it will be good to have a win on Saturday.
EFC: What does it mean to be able to share your milestone game with each other?
JM: It definitely adds to the occasion for me. Graysa is a great mate and we both started at Eastlake together and have played our whole senior career together. It's a huge honour to share the achievement with a close friend and great player for the club over such a long period of time.
TG: I’ve played a lot of footy with Mes, both at Eastlake and in the Country, and it will be good to run out and share the day together. He is a very good footballer and one of my best mates and I think if his rig didn’t let him down he would have played a lot more senior footy at the club. When we went away it’s something we always discussed trying to do, come back and finish at Eastlake and fitting that it has occurred on the same day.
EFC: What is your favourite Eastlake memory?
JM: Beating Ainslie after the siren during the finals back in 2012, no one gave us a chance of winning and to do it after the siren against an arch rival just added to the victory.
TG: On field it would have to be in 2012 when we had a shot to win the game and kicked a point after the siren to beat Ainslie to get us into the prelim final. Off field the culture between the playing group has always been strong, the numerous functions and trips have always been a highlight.
EFC: How would you summarise your Eastlake career up to now?
JM: I have loved my time at Eastlake and have made some lifelong friends over the 10 years I have been playing for the club. I have experienced a lot of up and downs during my time and after a 3 year hiatus I was approached by Dan Ryall to come back as a playing assistant coach. I always knew I would finish my career at Eastlake and after seeing how Dan had developed the young group, plus the inclusions of Pete McGrath and a few other old boys I could not refuse coming back to the club I love. Hopefully we can finish on a high note this year as I believe this group has a huge future in front of them.
TG: I know it’s cliche, but the footy club is like a second family. Since joining I’ve learnt a lot from the people involved in the club. Due to injuries and some poor form, football wise it’s taken me a few years to get here, but the club has always been supportive.
Be listening to 2CC Radio on 1206AM this evening (Friday 16th June) to hear Justin speak about playing his milestone match.
Eastlake plays Belconnen at 3pm at Manuka Oval, Saturday 17th June.
Last Modified on 19/06/2017 13:27