BLAST FROM THE PAST - #5

Big John Cracks the Ton
Round 6 of GGAFL sees Big John Ironmonger play his 100th game of footy on US soil. A life member of the the league, John has helped promote the game more so than anybody else and has shown his amazing administrative skills extend far beyond hosting the end of year BBQ.

John and the Hornets will take on the Knights this Saturday following the curtain-raiser between the Mavs and Pirates. Drinks afterward, so come down and help us say congratulations to a legend of a man.

It's a bit hard to miss Big John. Of course, he reckons the umpires can't see him when the opposition fullback has their hands all over him. But the GGAFL would miss him dearly if he wasn't around. Over the years he has been the treasurer, secretary, BBQ-holder, equipment manager, scorer, umpire, statistician, grounds keeper, tour bus driver, chef, time-keeper, and commentator. Amongst other things.

In honour of all this, in 2004 the GGAFL bestowed life membership on John and proudly retired his number 1 jumper. It couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke.

But to get to 100 US games there has to be a few trials and tribulations along the way, so let's take a quick trip back in time shall we?

Like many children John was born. Then he played for the Golden Gate Roos.

Quite a story, isn't it?

To put it into better words here's a quote from the AFL Dictionary;

"Massively built at 200cm and 105kg, John Ironmonger was a tap ruckman par excellence who made his league debut with East Perth in 1980, having been recruited from Margaret River. Less imposing and adept in his general field play than he was when engaged in straight ruck contests, Ironmonger nevertheless caught the eyes of the men in white with sufficient frequency to secure the 1983 Sandover Medal. Widely expected to join Richmond in 1984, he actually ended up in Sydney with the Swans, where he added 45 VFL games over the ensuing three years to the 85 WAFL appearances he had accumulated with the Royals. He finished his career by producing some of his most consistent and telling football during an injury-interrupted four seasons, 43 game stint with Fitzroy. John Ironmonger represented his state, Western Australia, on 4 occasions."

Doesn't even mention the champion stuff he's done over here. Amateurs. More importantly, John has eaten a raw steak to help promote the game. And the outfit he wore when he won the Sandover medal? Superb.

Seriously though, it's a whole lot easier to take the piss out of someone than try to conjure up the words that adequately describe an amazing achievement. Next time you see him, say Thanks. It's a good bet that footy in the US would be a lot worse off it he hadn't been around.

Congrats John.

-
(926)