Hopper celebrates match milestone

ROKEWOOD-Corindhap Football Netball Club’s Paul Wells recently played his two hundredth senior game with the club.

Having run on for the Hoppers since 2003 in under 17s, Wells said it was “a bit of an achievement” to reach that many matches.

“I’ve sort of been around the club my whole life so it’s great to see not only myself but a few others up in that milestone recently,” he said.

“Sports has been in my blood the whole time. Rokewood’s a good place to be around, and the culture’s always been great here.”

The Corindhap-raised farmhand has played with the club since his Auskick days and has lived in the district all his life.

Over his two-decade involvement with the club Wells said highlights include winning the 2009 seconds’ premiership and being named best and fairest in 2015.

The lanky forward points to a familial connection in joining the club, with his father serving as trainer for nearly four decades.

Wells’ grandfather Lloyd Laidler played 400 games for the Hoppers and the club’s seniors best and fairest award is named after him.

Although not hopeful he’ll reach his grandfather’s record, Wells said he aims to receive a lifetime member’s award at 250 games, and looks forward to carrying on the family tradition with his children.

“My kids love watching me play, and this is just something I’ve done all my life so I guess you kind of take it for granted,” he said.

“My youngest Stevie’s just started Auskick, and he’s always around kicking the footy. The same thing’s probably going to happen and I’ll probably pass the baton on to him when I’m done.”