WHILE he hasn't received the same kind of plaudits as fellow key forward Richard Leahy, there is no doubt the form of Gene Marek has been crucial to Whorouly's strong start to the Ovens and King season.
Marek has booted 29 goals in the first six rounds, and after battling crippling groin injuries in recent times said he was enjoying his best start to a season in five years.
"For sure," Marek said.
"I haven't had any injuries this year that's been the biggest thing.
"I did a full pre-season for the first time in god knows how long.
"The groins still get a little bit sore, but nothing like what they used to.
"I just have to do constant exercises, and getting a good pre-season in seems to have allowed me to get on top of it, touch wood."
Leahy has booted 48 majors so far this season, giving the pair a combined total of 77 goals an average of a tick under 13 per game.
"He's a good fella to play alongside," Marek said of Leahy.
"We're different sorts of players he is a lead out player, quick off the mark.
"If it comes in longer then that's my sort of game, so we gel pretty well together."
Marek chalked up his 150th senior match when the Lions hosted King Valley in round three, and said it was a satisfying accomplishment given it took him 12 years.
"She took a long time to get there mate," he said.
"It's taken five years going from 100 to 150.
"But it was great to get there that's life membership, which is fantastic."
With the Lions coming off their first loss, going down to Milawa by 16 points, Marek said there was room for improvement against Tarrawingee tomorrow.
"We were a bit disappointed," he said.
"But we know we can play a bit better football than what we did.
"We trained well (Tuesday night), so the boys are switched back on to roll these fellas this weekend.
"We've had a bit of a thing with Tarrawingee the past few years the games have all been pretty tight but hopefully we can get the upper hand."
The Lions will be wearing pink jumpers tomorrow in order to promote breast cancer awareness and to raise funds for research into the disease.
"We've done it the last three years now," Marek said.
"Everyone has been touched in some way by cancer of some description, not just breast cancer.
"There are a lot of people out there who have had it or have loved ones who have been through it, so it's great for the club to do its part to help out.
"Hopefully we get a few through the gates to help support the cause."
As for his aims for the rest of the year, Marek didn't need to think too hard.
"No injuries mate," he said.
"I just want to get through unscathed and hopefully kick a few more bags.
"We should finish top four, and from there we can just see what happens."
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
GOING PINK: Whorouly's Gene Marek with the pink jumper the Lions will don tomorrow.
PHOTO: Scott Anderson
Last Modified on 18/05/2012 16:08