15 Sep Milestone overlooked in drive for glory
Bell Post Hill defender Shane Lymer admits there was a sense of guilt around his playing group prior to their second-semi-final battle against Inverleigh.
While the Panthers managed to hold off the minor premier by the narrowest of margins it was the forgotten milestone of a club favourite Adrian Fantella which left the veteran embarrassed.
“The coach Brad (Martin) had his pre-game spiel and said ‘this isn’t ideal but I have just been informed that it’s Fantas 200th’,” Lymer reflected.
“Cam (Addie) and I looked at each other to say ‘what’s going on here’ and Adrian didn’t even know.”
“We would have really liked to put together something together so this week we’ll definitely do something special.”
The number may sound amicable to some but to Lymer it reflects the last man standing themed journey both he and his teammate have shared across their combined 434 senior games.
And regardless of the result both Lymer and Fantella will have appeared in all ten of Bell Post Hill’s grand finals by Saturday night, a rare feat in any level of the sport.
However the now 31-year-old Lymer admits that he wasn’t always sold by the younger Fantella.
“Adrian has developed as a promising junior and his hard working attitude has been evident each year because initially he didn’t quite understand what it took,” he recalled.
“I remember the year before the grand final run started he was a junior footballer who probably enjoyed going out and having a good time a bit more than he does now.”
“By that stage we had a good list so Nathan Lewis (the coach) then brought him (Fantella) into a meeting and we asked him what he wanted to get out of his footy?”
“He fluctuated between his social life with his under-18 teammates and his senior ambitions but the penny dropped by about 2008 when he realised he could play a major role.”
Fast forward almost a decade later and the veterans were both named in the GDFL team of the year just four months after they were also named in Bell Post Hill’s greatest side (from 1977).
“He now prides himself on that, he leads the running every season and only Chris Moreland (now GFL) would come close to catching him,” Lymer added.
“Ironically we were both on back flanks in those first grand finals before he graduated and went forward into the midfield whereas I’m still stuck back here ten years later.”
Admittedly the pair would have to face two defeats to Thomson and then East Geelong before knocking off Werribee in the 2010 season decider to mark the club’s first premiership.
It was then on the premiership dais legendary Panther coach Brent Grgic would make one of the most famous statements in local football.
“Once ‘Grg’ got on the podium after our first premiership against Werribee he mentioned how this could be the start of something special,” Lymer recalled.
“I’ll admit I was one of the players who scoffed because that’s a big statement to make but I also thought with a young group we could win another one or two.”
“I’m under no illusion that I’m pretty lucky that it’s all aligned at once and it’s our junior club, the two of us haven’t gone away and chased money so it means a lot.”
Since 2010 a total of 42 players have collected premiership medals on the Panther podium.
Only four have collected six including Lymer and Fantella as well as retired ball winner Anthony Pisano and Travis Fursland who remains in the mix (last played senior since Round 12).
“Obviously the thing that stands out with Fantas was one of Grgic’s favourite players and he was just admired by the whole group,” Lymer said.
“He’s locked down so many players on grand final day for the betterment of our side and that’s what’s made him so valuable.”
Current Pathers Cam Addie (captain), Caleb Bacely, Tim Barton will aim for a sixth flag each as will Justin Tarr if selected after a period in the reserves (quad injury).
“It’s definitely a tough one and both Travis and Tarry will admit that to win a grand final so you can’t take uncertainties in,” Lymer said.
“Had they not had interrupted years they’re both probably in our best 22.”
“I guess it makes me realise that I should be able thankful I’ve had a good run, I know that Travis is a bit older than me but Tarry is my age and it sinks in that it does end eventually.”
He added, “If they can’t make it back into the senior side then they can still attempt a reserves premiership and they’re both dedicated club people who would hold that honour in high regard.”
Last year Rhys Burke joined recruits Jayden Ettridge (Anakie) and Jordan Flaccavento (Newtown & Chilwell) as new additions to the premiership club.
This year’s list features recruits Tane Rabbas (East Geelong), Danny Gray (Casterton/Newtown & Chilwell), Jack Yates (North Geelong, 2015), Mitch Gavin (Anakie) and Liam Meyrich (Basketball).
“We’ve faced many challenges on the day from East Geelong, North Geelong and Bannockburn who have all been formidable opponents,” Lymer said.
“Given how much Inverleigh has gone through to make it here we know they’ll be hungry but we hope to add them onto the list of teams we’ve held off along this amazing journey.”
By Alex Tigani
GDFL Media/Geelong Advertiser (15/9/2017)
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.