Boak to run out for Torquay in number five

TRAVIS Boak will get his fairytale homecoming this weekend when he runs out for Torquay, pulling on his late father Roger’s iconic number five jumper.

The former Port Adelaide champion will line up against Queenscliff at McCartney Oval, marking an emotional return to the club where his football journey began.

Boak comes back to local footy after a decorated AFL career spanning 387 games, multiple best and fairest awards and All-Australian honours.

For Boak, the return to Torquay has been a long time coming.

 

“I’ve got so many great memories from my junior days of playing and watching dad and mum run around in footy and netball,” he said.

“It’s been a long time and my family and friends are really excited to see me back at Torquay.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing Bellarine football with a great bunch of guys.

“The team is hungry after missing out last year, and I can’t wait to represent the community with pride.”

 

Boak played a single senior game for Torquay as a teenager in 2005 before being drafted to the AFL not long after his father’s passing.

More than two decades on, he returns to fulfil a promise.

Boak said finally pulling on the number five would be a proud moment.

“It holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

“Mum has always presented it to the captain, and now I’m super honoured to be playing in it.

 

“Dad holds a very special legacy at the club, and it’s got great meaning.”

Long-time mentor Peter Raidme has watched Boak’s journey from a promising junior to one of the game’s most respected figures.

“I had the pleasure of playing with his old man and I coached Travis and my boy Ben quite a bit,” he said.

“We’ve maintained that relationship all the way through, and I’ve tried to step in and help him when I can. I’ve messaged him before every game.”

 

Raidme relayed the huge significance of the number five guernsey at the club.

“The number five was so special obviously with Roger, and now for Travis to carry that on is amazing,” he said.

“Our captains have worn it with great honour the past few years, and they’ve done a fantastic job.”

“It’s taken 21 bloody years and he’s come back like he said he would.

“It’s family honour and he’ll take it in his stride and represent everyone with pride.”