HAWKESBURY Saints players Fletcher Windebank-Bozac and Jack Barclay both reached milestones at the weekend both the boys and the club are immensely proud of.
The pair of young players played their 50th game of Aussie rules football for the Saints at Bensons Lane, in a game which their team won and put them on top of the ladder.
The Hawkesbury Saints were also stoked that the 11-year-old players reached the 50-game mark while playing in the same game.
Fletcher is the team’s captain, and he plays full back, and wears the number 42 jersey.
One of the team officials, Mark Lorschy, described Fletcher as a very versatile player.
“Fletcher’s speed, strength, ball skills and reliable kicking ability sees him play an important role for the team as full back whether he is playing forward, in the backs or in the ruck,” he said.
“Fletcher’s capacity to run strongly at the ball and to take tough, contested marks are an asset to him, as is his capacity to kick and handpass coolly, strategically and with precision when under pressure.”
Fletcher – who follows the GWS Giants and says his favourite player is Jeremy Cameron - said he really loved the under-12s team he played in.
“My favourite thing about playing for the Saints is being with his mates and forming great team work,” he told the Gazette.
“I was very proud to reach 50 games and I can’t wait to play in my 100th.”
Jack is turning 12 next month, and the centre mid and half back wears the number 15 jersey when he steps onto the field for the Saints.
Lorschy said despite Jack’s size, he was consistently among the Saints’ best on field.
“He is a superb, gritty on-baller who thrives on playing in the centre midfield,” he said.
“He always gives 100 per cent and tackles other kids often twice his size with grit and no hesitation at all.”
However, Jack is also a very skilled player according to Lorschy.
“Jack has superb skills and awareness in attack and always makes a significant contribution in both attack and defence.
“He has a talent for picking gaps in the field and is quick to recognise an opportunity.”
Jack said his motivation to play for the Saints was similar to Fletcher’s.
“My favourite thing about playing AFL for the Saints is running out with my teammates and running with the ball,” he said.
“Singing the team song after we win is also great fun.
“I enjoy AFL when I take a mark, run and then kick to a team mate or take a shot at goal.
“I enjoy the challenge of getting free of my opponent and making space for my team mates to kick to me.
“Being smaller I have to keep clear of the bigger boys as they like to tackle me.”
Jack - whose favourite team is the Sydney Swans and Dan Hannebery is his favourite player - said he was thrilled to reach 50 games.
“I started in the under 9’s and I am still playing with some of the boys from that team today,” he said.
“I have had some great coaches along the way, met some good friends and love running out with my Hawkesbury Saints jumper on.”
