On the eve of the Greg Pimm Memorial match, Mitcham v Ringwood I thought it would be a good idea to have a look at the importance of the occasion by talking to two people that have been part of the journey from the very start.
Greg Pimm passed away suddenly on 17th June, 1989 from a heart attack playing in the finalquarter against Ringwood at Jubilee Park (Ringwood). Greg was 32 years old and had played 177 senior games for the Tigers.
2013 marked the first time Steve Pimm son of Greg, returned to the Tigers to play in the Pimm Memorial Match at Jubilee Park as a senior player. There was a huge lead up to the game and the Tigers made it a memorable game for Pimmy who finished with 8 goals and the final goal after the siren in a 97 point win.
* Steve Pimm's eighth goal v Ringwood in 2013.
Steve Pimm is entering the twilight of his career, he would say his games are somewhat numbered but with this year marking the 25th anniversary of Greg's passing, the opportunity to represent his father and the family means even more to him. "The feeling I get playing these games ranks up there with any achievement I have had in my career including premierships and even the Best & Fairest last year" Steve said. "Not many kids get to play in a game named after their father and although the circumstances surrounding the game are not what anyone would want, it is a privilege to be apart of. Last year was a game I went into full of nerves. Now that I have one behind me, I am hoping I get the chance to soak it all in tomorrow and enjoy what should be a great game of footy, not just for me but the entire club".
Steve was only 8 years old when Greg passed away and does not have many memories of his father. "I'm almost jealous of some of dad's mates and team mates. Those blokes got to know Dad alot better than I ever had the opportuity to do so, but in saying that I am extremely grateful that those blokes can pass their memories on to me. Blokes like Tony "Rocket" Andrews, Peter Toohey, Greg Brick, Brad Slater and many others have helped give me the memories I missed out on, and for that I am extremely grateful".
Brad Slater also known to those around the club as Skip, was a team mate of Gregs in the 80's. The two first met in 1984 when the team went on a pre season footy camp to Torquay. When asked what Pimmy Senior was like as a footballer he recalled one of his fondest memories. "We played 5 and a half seasons together. Greg took the younger players under his wing and provided some sound advice on how to transition to senior footy". One example was the the pre training run. " We regularly ran the Maroondah/Mitcham/Springfield/Springvale Rd 6km route before training as a warm up. Pimmy was regularly first back to the club and waiting for us in the change rooms. After a few months we found him hiding behind the bushes and only then realised McCulloch Street was his favourite short cut!"
Off the field Greg was a little quieter than his son Steve. "Pimmy was quiet, he didnt seek the limelight like Steve, however he was always up for a one on one chat. Every Tuesday after training he could be found sipping a cold beer on a stool in the corner of Roosters bar".
To a bloke like Brad Slater the Pimm Shield and Memorial game means alot. "I played my first senior game at Ringwood with Greg and was fortunate to play another 5+ years with him. This day means a lot to me as I have clear memories of my playing days with Greg and what he taught me. Greg's legacy should always be honoured at the Mitcham Football Club".
Tomorrow Greg's son Steven takes centre stage. "I have watched Steve grow up from a very young boy and have followed his career over his many games. Steve has always offered me assistance at training for the junior sides I have coached and has turned into a great person not only through Gregs legacy but through his mum Chris' upbringing".
Steve asked me to thank the committee, past players, supporters and of course his team mates for making this match a memorable game each and every year, even when he hasnt been involved in the club. "It is a truly special day to me and the rest of the family, and something we appreciate it beyond words can explain".
We wish Steve and his Tigers all the best for tomorrows match. It is sure to be a huge day at Walker Park with a massive turnup from the loyal Tiger Army. Hopefully 2014 is as memorable as 2013 for the Tigers and the Pimm family.
Last Modified on 04/07/2014 20:37