300 games - congratulations Tim!
Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:09 pmOn the 29th of July 1995, two days shy of his 18th birthday, Tim Weatherald made his debut for Sturt. This was the season which was the darkest in Sturts' wooden spoon run - no wins and an average losing margin of 78 points. The week before, Scott Simister and current Eagles coach Michael Godden both outscored Sturts' meagre tally of 2.8 in a 128 point loss. Weatherald was promoted from the Reserves after being named best for them in the past two out of three weeks.
On this day, Sturt were outscored again by an individual player. Danny Del Re kicked 12.1, opposed to Sturt with 8.9. That earned Del-Re 3 Magarey Votes; and the 1 vote went to Weatherald. He only gained 15 possessions, however 6 kicks in the first quarter may have burned a lasting impression into the umpires minds.
He played out the season in the League, 5 matches in all. As history now tells us, from this abyss Sturt rose to make the Grand Final in 1998. Weatherald was named BOG in the 2nd Semi, and was again in the best few on Grand Final day, with 25 disposals and a goal in a close fought match which saw Port as the only team to win the flag from 4th position under the final five system.
Weatherald played 87 matches in a row, and in the first 123 matches, missed only Round 23 1999. The crowning year in his career was undoubtably 2002; winning the Magarey Medal along with team mate Jade Sheedy, and becoming a member of the side which broke a 26 year premiership drought and the turbulent years in between were long gone.
The surprise decision by Weatherald to quit Sturt in 2008 after being told he would have to start in the Reserves and earn his spot in the League, looked as if his career was finished after 253 matches, however Norwood threw him a lifeline. The Redlegs are now being rewarded through his dedication and commitment in matches. This in turn serves a reminder to Weatheralds' younger team mates, the sort of respect you earn after 16 seasons of hard work and fair play.
Congratulations Tim.
On this day, Sturt were outscored again by an individual player. Danny Del Re kicked 12.1, opposed to Sturt with 8.9. That earned Del-Re 3 Magarey Votes; and the 1 vote went to Weatherald. He only gained 15 possessions, however 6 kicks in the first quarter may have burned a lasting impression into the umpires minds.
He played out the season in the League, 5 matches in all. As history now tells us, from this abyss Sturt rose to make the Grand Final in 1998. Weatherald was named BOG in the 2nd Semi, and was again in the best few on Grand Final day, with 25 disposals and a goal in a close fought match which saw Port as the only team to win the flag from 4th position under the final five system.
Weatherald played 87 matches in a row, and in the first 123 matches, missed only Round 23 1999. The crowning year in his career was undoubtably 2002; winning the Magarey Medal along with team mate Jade Sheedy, and becoming a member of the side which broke a 26 year premiership drought and the turbulent years in between were long gone.
The surprise decision by Weatherald to quit Sturt in 2008 after being told he would have to start in the Reserves and earn his spot in the League, looked as if his career was finished after 253 matches, however Norwood threw him a lifeline. The Redlegs are now being rewarded through his dedication and commitment in matches. This in turn serves a reminder to Weatheralds' younger team mates, the sort of respect you earn after 16 seasons of hard work and fair play.
Congratulations Tim.
