With 22 junior teams at South Morang Junior Football Club, it can be hard for young players to stand out
But there are no such issues for three of its most experienced players, Brody Waugh, 17, Daniel Scacco, 16, and Melanie Russell, 14.
The trio have just registered significant milestones — Brody has clocked up 200 games, Daniel 150 and Melanie her first 100.
South Morang president David Craig says the club is incredibly proud of the three players. “They’ve been great to have around the club,” he says. “Daniel is a very conscientious kid and a great club person. He puts in and helps out all the time. He doesn’t just want to play footy then nick off down the street to chase skirt.
“Brody has an immense football talent and if he puts his mind to it he could really do something with it.
“Likewise, Melanie is a great footballer who is still young and she has plenty of time to go on and become a women’s footballer. She has been a real trailblazer.”
Scacco, in particular, has become a great asset to the club. Aside from playing in the under-17s, he coaches the under-10s and has been a team manager for the Northern Football League representative squad.
He says he is grateful to have reached the milestone. “My achievement is amazing. I never thought I was going to play this many games,” he says.
“Hopefully, my football career sees me playing at the highest level, and while playing I want to give back by coaching younger players and giving them the best knowledge to become great footballers.”
Brody, who also plays under-17s, took up the game in 2001 when he was five. He has trained with TAC club Northern Knights’ development squads.
“I think this is a huge achievement for myself,” he says. “I love the friendly atmosphere of this club and everyone helps out. I was lucky enough to take out the under-16s’ best-and-fairest in my first season at the club.”
Melanie is pleased to have reached a milestone that has been out of reach for many footy-loving girls.
“I’m proud that I reached this point in my junior football career because not many girls before me have done it,” she says. “I’ve made great friends from both the boys and girls teams and I really want to continue playing youth girls as long as I can.
“Then I can see what the options are to continue my footy career after that.”
Craig hopes the club can keep Melanie, as it plans to launch a women’s team in the not-too-distant future.
“We’ve got two girls teams and they’re overflowing with numbers,” he says.
“That’s entirely to do with the girls themselves and their passion. They’ve started it and they keep pushing it, which drags the concept along.”
