As the Green Men head out tomorrow to take on the Turvey Park Bulldogs, spare a thought for Marshal Macauley as he lines up for his 150th First Grade game. Macka doesn't want any limelight and never has wanted it. He'll just throw on his number 13 and aim to do his job, from intercept marks to leaping punches out of defence and rebound attack that will set up his forward line and allow his team mates to have the glory.
But make no mistake. Marshal's respect in this Hoppers side, and indeed for the past ten plus years of Hoppers sides, runs very deep. He has inspired many young players with his attitude to training, commitment to the Club and hard nosed 'never-say-die' approach to his footy.
Macka's been first to training for a decade. Turned up to endless working bees. Cleaned up the sheds. Pumped up the footies and filled water bottles. Coached the junior sides when he's had the chance. If there was an Olympics for crackin' understated great blokes he'd be a gold medalist and the flag bearer as well.
On the field he's also no mug. He's won a Hoppers Best and Fairest in 2017 and been runner up on three other occasions, his B&F emotions even surpassing his feelings for his beloved Richmond's drought breaking flag in the same year.
Well done Macka on 150 games. You're everything great about our Club!
