WHEN the Ovens and King Football League’s 2009 season kicks off tomorrow, one team above all others will have plenty to play for.
Greta, at home to Benalla All Blacks, doesn’t need any added motivation after collecting its first wooden spoon last year.
But the Blues will be desperate to take the points to honor one of their favorite sons in a milestone match.
Paul Hogan will be lining up for his 300th senior match for Greta in a career that has seen him experience all the highs and lows possible in football.
He won the Baker Medal as the O and K’s best and fairest player in 1995, and played in a premiership that same year.
Hogan also played in the Blues’ flag teams of ‘93 and ‘99, as well as winning an Ovens and Murray premiership with the Wangaratta Rovers in ‘91 during a two-year stint with the club.
But last year provided perhaps the lowest point in Hogan’s career, when a serious hamstring injury suffered in the first round led to him playing just a handful of games in a difficult season for Greta.
"I went down in the first quarter of the first match," Hogan said.
"When I went to get up I felt the twinge, and I knew I was in a bit of trouble because I couldn’t walk off."I ended up having to get around on crutches for a while after that, and it took a long time for it to come good.
"It was a tough season for everyone at the club, because we had a lot of injuries and we were struggling to get a team on the field."
Greta board member, and former president, Kevin Naish named Hogan as one of the best players the O and K had produced.
"In his prime he was untouchable," he said.
"His pace meant his opponents couldn’t get near him, and he is one of the classiest users of the ball you will see."There is no two ways about it, he is an out and out champion of the club and the league, and a real modest champion at that."He has had to modify the way he plays the game over the last few years, but he is still a great player, and it’s fantastic to see him get to 300 matches.
"He is a great clubman, and he is held in the highest regard by all of our players and supporters."
Heading into round one, Hogan said he was raring to go, with the Blues eager to make amends for 2008.
"I’m feeling good after a couple of runs in the practice matches, I haven’t had any problems so far, so hopefully I’ll be okay injury wise," he said.
"I don’t know what role Col (McClounan) has in mind for me at this stage, but anything I can do to contribute to the team is fine with me."We’re looking a lot better than we were last year - we have picked up some good recruits, and the young players who stepped up last year will benefit from that now."Coming up against Benalla will be interesting.
"I’ve heard that they have picked up a few players, but we’ll be pretty keen to get a win first up."
Written by - SCOTT ANDERSON.Saturday, April 4, 2009.
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Last Modified on 09/05/2012 21:27