IT takes years of hard work, dedication and commitment to play 400 games of football at any level.
At least that’s been the case for Tyntynder’s Mick Dedini, who played his 400th senior match against Tooleybuc-Manangatang last weekend, with the Bulldogs stalwart celebrating a journey that started 28-years ago as a 17-year-old at Birchip.
It’s a journey that’s taken Dedini all across north-western Victoria, with a brief stint up north also thrown in for good measure.
So it was little surprise that the 44-year-old’s phone blew up with well-wishes when news broke last Saturday morning that he was about to run out for the 400th time that afternoon.
“To be honest, I was blown away and a bit overwhelmed, I’m not someone that enjoys the spotlight but it did hit home a bit on the weekend,” Dedini told The Guardian this week.
“I’ve always been someone that has just taken things a week at a time, but the club made a big deal out of it and I had no idea what the club was planning for the day.
“My brother flew in for the day from Cairns and friends put together a big video presentation before the game, I was very overwhelmed to be honest.
“It was funny, when the club put that post up on social media I was just at home with the kids getting organised for the day and I just got inundated with phone calls and texts from people that I hadn’t heard from in a long time messaging and wishing me luck, which was nice.
“I was very overwhelmed with emotion really, it was amazing what the club did and I take my hat off to them.
“Those things always show your culture as a club and it’s no surprise they went to the lengths that they did, but it was really appreciated too.”
Dedini’s journey has seen him play right across the region after his first game at Birchip-Watchem, with stints at Irymple, Woomelang, Lake Boga, Hay and Tooleybuc-Manangatang before settling down at the Bulldogs for the past eight years.
Dedini also spent a season up north in 2008, where he was also lucky enough to win a premiership with Cairns alongside Jason Eagle.
But despite all the games, premiership and best and fairests, of which there have been many, it’s closer to home that has become the motivating factor in continuing to chase the pig skin around every Saturday afternoon.
“I have a couple of young kids now and they help keep me on my toes as well and I reckon they are part of my longevity as well,” Dedini said.
“My young bloke keeps me out in the yard kicking the footy for 45 minutes before training every night and I’ve almost done a full session before I even get to the club.
“My family are my focus and they are my priority, but the kids love me playing and ‘Bridge’ (wife Bridget) does as well.
“I just have to try and keep my mind going, which is the challenge plus training smarter and keeping the football in my hand, it all helps.”
While family is a clear motivator for Dedini, Saturday was also the perfect time to look back on a journey which has been 28 years in the making, with the veteran thankful he was able to enjoy the game alongside another mate who his career crossed paths with.
“It was fitting that we played Tooleybuc on the weekend, because Brad Morris is one of my good mates which stems all the way back from my Irymple days when we lived together,” Dedini said.
“It’s hard to say that one club has been better than another and even Tyntynder right now, I just love the boys and the group we have there.
“When I went to Woomelang it was to play with my two brothers, I was only going to stay there for one year, but I just loved the club.
“We nearly went all the way, we made it to the grand final two years in a row and probably should have won one, but I’ve honestly loved playing at every club I’ve been at for different reasons.
“I’m not sure when it ends, I’m still enjoying my footy.
“When I was about 25-years old I was saying I’ll definitely retire at 30 and now I’m 44 and still going, so who knows.”
