Sport
8 August, 2024
'Wouldn't do it at any other club' Dark celebrates 200th WFNL senior match
The 29 year-old started his senior career with Stawell in 2010.
WFNL
Stawell
One of the Warriors' favourite sons celebrated a milestone during round 15 of the WFNL on Saturday, August 3.
Jackson Dark played his 200th WFNL senior club match as Stawell defeated Horsham by 35 points at Central Park.
"I'm pretty happy to get to the milestone. All of the messages and kind words from everyone during the week have been much appreciated," Dark said.
"I wouldn't do it at any other club."
The Dark's are synonymous with the club's history, as his parents, Tracey and Tony, are life members.
"Mum's played a lot of games [over 400] with the club and even served with the Wimmera League and even Pop [Jim Miller] as well," he said.
"It [the club] does mean a lot to a few generations."
The 29-year-old defender played his first senior match in 2010 and was around some club legends in his early years.
Dark grew up watching the likes of Trent Leslie, Brent Tuckey, Scott Nicholson and Ben Williamson.
"They were always great ones to watch, and I really enjoyed it," Dark said.
Consistency will be key for Stawell in the next three games of the season as it looks towards finals.
"We've got Warrack away, then the two top teams [to finish the regular season], it will be really tough but good," he said.
"Hopefully, we can get a bit of consistency going into finals. [They will be] a good couple of tests for us heading into the pointy end of the season."
Current senior coach Tom Eckel credited Dark's impact at the club.
"Two-hundred games at the one club [that he's been at his whole life] not many people get to do that, and he's done it before he's 30 years old," Eckel said.
"So it was a huge day for us, and he'll get celebrated again [post match]."
On the field, Eckel believes the club have got one of the league's best defenders.
"In my and the club's eyes, he's been the best defenders in the competition for multiple years," he said.
"He's just a loyal team member that puts the team first before anyone else."