Border Mail |
CORY Barr could have easily walked away.
With the Murray Magpies struggling for success since joining the Hume league, he could have taken the easy option and found another club like many of his former teammates.
But Barr’s loyalty to the Magpies has never wavered and will be rewarded when he plays his 150th match against Jindera on Saturday.
Only Jamie Beattie, Scott Zurek, Matt Drab and Troy Bowcher have played more games in the black and white.
“I’m pretty proud of the achievement,” Barr said.
“It’s good to join those blokes because they have been at the club since day one.
“I’ve been there 10 years now but it’s a great bunch of blokes to join.
“I’m also proud I remained loyal because it’s pretty easy to jump ship like a few players in the past have done.
“But I will continue to remain passionate about this club through thick and thin because the club has looked after me and stood by me.
“Players remaining loyal to a club seem to be a dying breed unfortunately.”
Barr played juniors at Kiewa Sandy Creek and made his debut for the Hawks as a 15- year-old.
He joined the Magpies the following year and played his first senior game against Urana under senior coach Andrew Robertson.
The 26-year-old admits it was a forgettable match from a personal level.
“I had an absolute shocker,” he said.
“We won by 30 goals but I think Urana kicked two goals for the day and the bloke I was playing on kicked both of them.”
Despite being only 16, Barr quickly established himself as a regular senior player in the Magpies line-up.
He showed outstanding leadership qualities and was handed the club captaincy in 2008 as a 21-year-old and has been captain ever since.
“I’m obviously not the greatest footballer but the club took a chance and gave me the captaincy at a young age,” he said.
“It was a pleasant surprise and a huge honour.
“Especially when we had experienced blokes like Jamie Beattie and Scott Zurek in the side.
“It was a bit daunting at first but something that I’m proud of.”
Barr rates ball magnet Brett Argus, Lucas Mellier, Craig Lieschke and Ben Nicholson as his most talented teammates.
Power forwards Andrew Harvey alongside Daniel and Darren Bradshaw rank among his most toughest opponents.
“I remember when Harvey was playing for Rand he took me to the cleaners when I was just a teenager,” he said.
“I will never forget it because their runner, Kelvin Parnell, run him out a pie halfway through the last quarter.
“Harv’s must have been a bit hungry after kicking seven on me and it didn’t take the big fella long to demolish it.
“I also still have nightmares about playing on the Bradshaws because they gave me a bit of a touch-up on numerous occasions.”
Barr said he would love to become the first Magpie to reach the 200-match milestone but veteran Jamie Beattie may beat him to the honour.
Beattie, 42, has racked up over 190 games for the Magpies and continues to defy his age.
“I just wish Jamie Beattie would hurry up and retire so I know how many games I have to get to,” Barr joked.
