Nigel Sannholm & 300 games (a retrospective)

This coming Saturday Nigel Sannholm will run out for Greensborough for the 300th time. I caught up with Nigel during the week. Interview between Michael McLaughlin (MM) and Nigel Sannholm ( NS)


MM - Although Greensborough has a long tradition it is reported that you will be the first person to play 300 open age games?
NS – Apparently but who would know. The club was formed in 1905 when Ray Skals was 18 and he can’t remember anyone playing 300. Actually he can’t remember much. I believe a number of records were destroyed during the insurance fire back in the late 1970s.
MM – 300 games is a lot to play for the one club when did you first play senior football?
NS – I played my first game in the reserves in 1986 after playing in the U/19’s the same day. I was 17 at the time and just making up numbers; later that year I played 3 games in the firsts and broke my arm in the last round.
MM – So you have been involved at the club for 21 years?
NS – Strange when you put it that way especially with probably half the current players weren’t even born when I started playing.
MM – Which AFL player would you compare yourself to?
NS – It would be pretty hard to narrow it down but I would probably say Chris Judd with Gary Ablett’s (snr) freakish ability and the courage of Gavin Brown. That would be close.
MM – Will this be your last season?
NS – More than likely. I have never given up on my dream to one day play for Collingwood. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that Brian Strauchan is a fictional character. I thought that if he could be on the list then I was still a chance.
MM – You must still enjoy the game?
NS – To be perfectly honest I can take or leave the game it is the friendships associated with playing football that makes it so hard to give up. All the blokes I played with are still the same people I go on holidays with, destroy in golf and our children all play together. I am one of the only 39 year olds who gets to go to 21st birthday parties.
MM – Apparently you are legend when it comes to footy trips?
NS – You have obviously done your research and you got that 100% right. I think I have been on about 18. Always last to bed, first to wake up and always drank the most. In my prime I was unstoppable and anyone who tells you different is a liar.
MM – Best and worst player you have played with at Greensborough.
NS – I couldn’t split Derek Shaw or Neil Brindley as the best but the worst would be Robbie O’Neill ahead of Trevor Bloomfield. We never saw the best of AJ Zubrich.
MM – Funniest moment in football?
NS – I once hid the ball up the back of my jumper down the far end at Heidelberg after Dave Miller had taken a mark. No-one had any idea where it had gone and Connebeare, who was umpiring, had to signal for another ball. The new ball was being rushed back to Dave when the Goal umpire finally noticed what was happening
MM - I hear you are a magnificent exponent of the left foot drop punt and a two grab mark specialist but what would you say is your most outstanding football attribute.
NS – My ability to change the course of a game in the matter of seconds. Unfortunately it is not always to Greensborough’s favour.
MM – I have also heard that you are the most handsome player to play for Greensborough.
NS – Yes.
MM – Have you got any advice to younger players trying to play football?
NS – Don’t run with scissors and be nice to your mother.
Boro Bits 12
Seniors Played really well and the last half was fantastic. It was great to see Big Tooms snare a few long goals. While Heath and Matt Krakour shared the ball between each other on the backline. It was great to avenge the loss from Round 2 and they boys are ready to produce those sorts of efforts for the rest of the year. Best were D. WILSON, L. GILBERT, B. COOPER, C. ZEALLEY, T. KNIGHT, J.GRUBB and well done to Gazza in his first of many senior games for the club.
Reserves Got their eventually through hard work. We had the majority of the play but just couldn’t shake the boys from Epping. We head off to Heidelberg West to take on Eltham and we will be training hard to adapt to playing on the bigger grounds. Best were R. MCKINNON, M. KAMOLINS, R. CAMILLERI, C. RUTTY, L. MILLSOM, S.BARNETT.
 Under 19 The boys are just keeping on. Coach Wilson is doing a great job with boys despite the poor support from Mark Howard who is coming up with some radical suggestions. Wilson is having trouble coming to grips with the Chirpy Howard whose latest suggestion was to let him play full forward under a dodgy birth certificate. Best were CAMILLERI, D. CAPALDO, W. MORGAN, N. WALKER, D. CUNNINGHAM, H LAWLEY.
It was great to see Lee Solar snag a few goals and then almost burst into tears when not named in the best 6. This Week We venture down to Heidelberg West to take on the Eltham nomads. They have been seething since the round 3 loss and can’t wait to take the boys on this week. Imagine how good it would be to beat them again. Tantrum corner It was great to see a few tantrums on the weekend. Tucker and Morra both threw tantrums after being taken off for giving 50 metre penalties. It was almost comical when Tucker mentioned that it wasn’t fair because he was off longer than Morra. Then later in the seniors Trent’s tantrum nearly had dire consequences as he shaped up to punch the concrete coach’s box. Cool heads prevailed as he would have been out for 6 weeks. Social notes This weekend will be massive and I think a few players will be required to have their stomachs pumped. Saturday night is the cocktail night which is always an absolute ripper followed by the Family Roast day to celebrate my 299th or 300th depending on numbers and how my hamstring pulls up. It will be a great day with everyone paying their respect and honouring my contribution to football in general. I think we are all a bit past having a few blokes get up, going for cheap laughs at my expense. I will be heading off to Germany through the week for radical treatment on my hamstring. The snap of my right hamstring on Saturday could be heard from 10 kilometres away and the Greensborough Police station was placed on high security alert fearing a terrorist attack. I thought about a stretcher but instead limped off to the boundary line. A normal fit 23 year old would probably miss 6 – 8 weeks. I will try to play today but otherwise I will be back in 3 weeks just in time for the clash down at the Kennel. I will make history in becoming the first person in 40 years to comeback after a hamstring injury and play Norf Heidelberg. Over the years it has been the opposite with bloke’s hammies tightening up on the Thursday before and missing the day down at Shelley Park. Personally I am looking forward to tomorrow just to have a few beers with current players and players from previous years. Around the Club It is believed that Rob Lincoln had his car egged last week. Inquiries have been initiated to try to catch the perpetrator or perpetrators. Brett Millsom came under some serious suspicion and questioning but his airtight alibi has stood up to the constant grilling. His alibi was “I would have egged you not your car.” Honesty is always the best policy.
Boro Bits 10
Seniors It is becoming a frightening trend but once again one bad quarter has cost us a win. That is now 3 winnable games that we have missed because of one bad quarter or poor kicking. The game was played in far from ideal conditions as it appeared a number of the players were not accustomed to this type of football. Global warming and drought has spoilt us over the last decade. Best - C. ZEALLEY, J. GRUBB, B. COOPER, D ATKINS. The only positive out of Saturday was the efforts of our some of our youngest players in Grubby, Beau and Millsy.
Reserves Put in the worst effort for probably 5 years and as Stewie mentioned it will not be tolerated. After the melee at half time the boys from Creek called us soft. The cries from the team “were let’s show them how soft we are” which is exactly what we did. One shining light is that with a number of injuries we are making a few calls on a Thursday night for players to help out and fill in. The last two weeks have seen Poolsi and PH help make up numbers. Injuries are not always a bad thing. Best were L MILLSOM, P HATTENFELS, L COWPER.
Under 19's Played well in the conditions and everyone is rapt at how well they are combing as a team. Best players were J. ROGERS, R. SCARCE, T. DOWSE, L. HARBINSON, C. WALKER, N. WALKER. This Week We take on Epping who stole the 4 points from us in round 2. I am tipping that boys may of endured a hard week on the track but will be switched on mentally to take home the 4 points.
Caravan Capers It is with great sorrow to announce the news that Chris Beadles has relocated to West Preston. I helped him hook up the Jayco and move it to Edward’s Lake. Beadles is rapt with the new location and he is having a get together in the old steam engine. We wish him luck as we count down the weeks until we take them on again.
Social Notes At the moment we are updating the notice board with any function that will be happening. Around the Club The club is in turmoil with the Brett Millsom / Kamolins split. Last week after Diamond Creek it was obvious there was tension in the air between the two former best friends. It had only been hours but already Kamo could sense problems now that Millsy is a first player. Brett got a lift back to the club with Canny and was drinking a Powerade on arrival back to the rooms. Kamo asked if Millsy would “like a beer?” but the answer cut into him deeply “no thanks, I’m in a shout with Hutchy and Trent.”
BORO BITS 9
Seniors Another really good effort and everything is ticking over quite well. We have shifted our goals from being competitive to now flag favourites. We are being served extremely well by our younger players and to bounce back so well after a loss against Heidelberg was a credit to everyone involved. Best players were Wilson, Howard and Gunny.
Reserves A solid effort and big Stewie was rapt with how the boys responded after being challenged late in the last quarter. We showed fighting qualities and held off a committed outfit. Best were Shaun Austin, Tommy and Chappy.
Under 19 Coach Wilson is delighted with the progress of the boys and they are really turning into a formidable outfit. Best were Cappa, Heater and Harbinson
This week We head down to Northcote Park. The ground is a fantastic but parking a problem. Whticroft and Streat have loads of money on the outcome of the game so all players will need to give 110%. Early Intervention It is great to see the Greensborough football club is a forerunner in controlling delicate situations. Before John Howard met with Northern Territory officials over the banning of alcohol to specific people and areas the mighty Boro had banned Kamo and Millsy (Lee) for two weeks. Granted their crimes were less heinous than the ones associated in the NT but nevertheless they needed to be punished. It was great to see Kamo enjoying a PowerAde after Saturday’s win. Clanger of the Century The guidance notes relating to the club notes are very clear. There is to be no criticism of other club’s players and teams. However, this does allow for the gentle criticism of our own players. I would not be doing my job if I did not mention Matt Flemming's short pass in the last quarter of Saturday’s game. The game was at boiling point and the pressure was almost unbearable when Matt Gabbit took a timely mark across half back in front of the coach’s box. There were loose men everywhere and Gabbit (a former captain through devious and underhanded circumstances) decided to kick the ball 5 metres sideways out on the full. From memory Bonnie Dickson marked the short pass. I will make it my job to remind Gabby of this extraordinary piece of Boro folklore until his dying day. If anyone was videoing the game can they please send me the tape?
BORO BITS 8
Seniors Heidleberg flexed their muscle in the first quarter and put on an exhibition and it looked like being a real thrashing. To our Boys credit we stayed with them for the next few quarters before they kicked away in the last quarter. There was plenty to like about the effort and we had a number of players doing their job. Best were Gunn, Knight, Crawford and Tarr.
Reserves Pretty ordinary effort. I know Coach McGoughan will not accept that type of effort and we really to lift to play any part of September action. Thanks to the Under 19 boys who played and gave a real good account of themselves. Best were Gilbert, Gazza and Knox. This week We take on West Preston Lakeside. It will be a hard fought encounter with Boro winning by 80 – 85 goals.
Social Notes The ball was once again a massive success. Everyone had a great time and thanks to Stacey and Colt for organising the Gala event. Congratulations to the Greensborough women’s basketball team for making the finals. Around the Club Finally after many years the Boro women finally did themselves and more importantly, their partners, proud. All the girls looked fantastic and if there was a criticism it would be the amount of fake and spray on tans. When the lights came on at 12.30 I really thought we were in Mars with most of the girls a glowing orange colour. Local mafia hit man Matthew Pittsoni looked very dapper in the Georgio Armani suit while Greg Baggott got the Beach party date mixed up and came in a crumpled shirt and jeans. Poolsi’s Purple valour suit blended in well with the carpet especially when he was laying on it. Trouble in Paradise It was sad to see the demise of the desperate and dateless threesome. Greg Baggott after years of rejection finally convinced a girl to accompany him to the major night on the Boro social Calendar. Luke Howard was once again dateless while Baggott mocked him by not leaving his lovely’s side. Baggott sat in the teapot position for the entire night kissing her cheek whenever Luke glanced over in a defiant display of public affection. Luke staggered to the Beer Pit Saturday night in a show of strength which was short lived when he called his Mummy and sister to pick him up Sunday morning. A traumatised Conlan Gunn couldn’t face another night of ridicule and spent Saturday night at home in front of his 34 cm television watching his Star Wars gift pack he received at his 18th birthday party. He loves those Ewoks.
BORO BITS 7
Seniors What a great result for the Club. Montmorency is quality opposition and after a very disappointing effort against North Heidelberg a win is a real confidence builder. This let’s us all know that we are not far off playing finals if we have a real go every week. Best were Stinka, Howie, Atkins and Churchill in his first senior game.
Seconds Stuie was rapt with the boys endeavour and our wins this year have been more rewarding than many of the games last year. We have had a huge turnover in players but keep performing. Well done.
U/19’s The boys are still learning but everything is slowly coming together. Coach Wilson is rapt with the efforts and the boys are all continuing to improve.
This week is the battle of the flag favourites as we take on Heidelberg. We have always had a pretty good record against the Bergers and another win would not surprise. Social notes Annual ball at the RSL which is always a great night. Come along and enjoy. Around the Club It appears that many of the players at the mighty Boro are feeling left out because they are not rating a mention in the club notes. This week I will be profiling none other than club legend Craig Zeally. Stinky who has spent most of his sporting life as a scapegoat is now being hailed as the greatest Boro player ever. This is fantastic for all of those players who are slow maturers both on and off the field. Craig has now recognised his true potential and is having another stellar year.
BORO BITS 6
Seniors Stayed with Bundoora over the first 3 quarters but lost our way in the last. Had enough of the ball in the first half but didn’t make the most of our opportunities. We are getting better each week and will continue to improve. Best were Gilbert, Howard, Crawford and Gunn. Reserves With the scores tied at half time and kicking into a strong breeze things did not look that promising. McGoogs asked for a huge effort and the boys played an attacking last quarter and ran over the top of an experienced Bundoora line up, ergo, picking up the valuable 4 points. Best were Landy, Cowper, Evans, Tucker and McKinnon
Under 19’s It was a very good game with both sides showing plenty of natural talent. Cooper was clearly our best player. This Week It appears that each week is another massive test. We have always had a pretty good record against North Heidelberg and in what is certain to be close match Boro will come out the eventual winners by 2 points. Social news The Beach Party was once again a resounding success with everyone having a great time and the behaviour was impeccable. Having a turn like this early in the season in such Great Spirit will ensure that coming events will be well attended. Well done to everyone involved. Don’t forget the Annual Ball at the RSL on June 16th. We need to finalise numbers so please make sure to see Stacey or members of the committee. Around the Club In an unprecedented move the Boro hierarchy have sacked one of the trainers to hire a fulltime beautician. The club has cut back on liniment and deep heat for Hair Gel and conditioner. Coach Dickson who has always been preoccupied by his appearance wants the boys to be the best looking team in NFL. The amount of Gel used by Spider, Chicken, Drew, Crawford (2), Heater and Howie makes it a fire risk to have them all present in the one room. On a Tuesday night we are conducting goal kicking practice along with body waxing and we will be running general hygiene tips on a Thursday instead of a team meeting.
BORO BITS 5
Seniors North Heidelberg gave us a bit of lesson last Saturday on hard running football. They moved the ball very quickly and we struggled to match them all over the ground. It was great to see Beau Cooper play his first game for the club while our best were Zeally, Crawford and Dillon.
Reserves North Heidelberg are always hard to beat in the seconds but our boys had a real crack which resulted in an excellent win. Best players were Churchill, the Millsom brothers, Tucks, Rutty and Cameron.
Under 19 Coach Wilson was delighted with the effort of the side as everyone contributed to the win. The boys have the talent and Willo is working hard on consistency. Best were Grubb, Capa and Beames. This week we have had a solid week on the track and the Montmorency Sunday clashes are always fantastic. Greg Baggot has approached both clubs to request a name change of the Adamson Trophy to the Greg Baggot Superstar Stud Shield. Social Notes Next week is the ball at Watsonia RSL so please make sure you have your tickets. This is always a great night. Around the Club This week I had a chance to sit down with Dave Hutchinson and find out what it is exactly that makes him tick. Hutchy is working on his second novel keeping a Diary of this years events which it hoping to turn into a best selling book at the end of the year. Who can forget the success of his previous autobiography “Hutch: A life in progress.” Close friend and soul mate Trent Clarke describes Hutchy as an outgoing and honest recluse who seldom tells the truth. By Trent’s own admission it is hard to find a word that sums up his character. Dave is extremely unassuming yet craves the limelight; he is polite while being rude and ugly in a good looking way. He is the original oxy moron. What makes him tick? Is anyone’s guess.
BORO BITS 4
Seniors To quote Coach Dickson ‘The game was never in doubt.’ With the evenness of the competition it is just so important to win the close ones. We really had to dig deep and the effort of all players was fantastic. Best were Howie, Gilbert and Tommy.
Reserves With the old adage of a good side on paper this was always going to be a danger game. The conditions were far from ideal but the boys played to a plan and came through with the points. Best were Tooms, Worrall, Morra and Tickets Millsom.
Under 19 Went down fighting but they are a better side than the effort they put out. Coach Wilson is looking for answers with best players being Crawford. This week This will be a great match as we take on arch rivals Bundoora. It has been a long time in the waiting and this will show us where we are. Boro by 65 goals. Social Notes Tonight it is everyone back to the club for the beach Party. The heaters have been pumping out since Last night and it is an estimated 45 degrees inside. Make sure you have the required areas waxed and have a great time. Girls in Bikinis get free entry. The Ball is fast approaching June 16 so make sure to organise you table ASAP and see Stacey or members of the committee for details. Around the Club It was great win on the weekend with Luke Howard Captain and Greg Baggott the match winner. It took Lesley and Jill no time to go home and come back with all their Junior Football photos and trophies. Tempers flared when Howie bragged once to often about how good he was in the U/15s. Conlan Gunn who was the side’s entire game plan stormed out in disgust. It was probably the 5th or 6th time Luke and Greg had got out all of their Junior accomplishments. Who can forget Luke’s 21st when he referred to them during his speech in a powerpoint presentation. It was still better that DB’s. Major Sponsor The Watsonia RSL also paid tribute to the 9 or so Greensborough Player’s who sold badges on Anzac Day. It is reported that almost $27,000 was raised and their efforts were greatly appreciated.
BORO BITS 3
Seniors Very disappointing. After such a great start we were overrun by Epping. Not taking away anything from Epping who played a fantastic second half but it really hit home that many players need to work harder. With the interrupted start I think too many of us used this as an opportunity to complete their own pre seasons and we were found out. Ability alone will not cut it in first division. Having said that there were a number of positives and we played very well in patches. Best were the Baggot brothers, Gilbert and DB.
Seconds Came across the strongest opposition for a number of years but couldn’t get across the line. The most pleasing aspect of the effort was a number of players performing jobs on quality players. Best were Johnny Hutch, Stinky, Tyers and Knox.
Under 19’s Really turned it on in the last quarter and are flying the flag for the Club. Best were Dowse, Harbinson and Crawford This Week We take on Eltham who have been steady improvers over the years. We have a great record against the panthers and we need a win. Boro by 30 to 40 goals. Social Notes The mid year Ball is fast approaching 16 June 2007 so everyone needs to get their tables ready. It will be held at the Watsonia RSL which proved a magnificent venue last year. See Stacey or any other committee member for details. It appears that Pure Blondes are all the rage. After 20 years of trying to convince Colt Seivers to drink beer we finally broke the hoodoo and found that he quite liked the Low Carb drop. Colt organised to have 2 slabs purchased for the Diamond Creek match that were sold out by 5.00 before Colt was able to buy one. Biggest Loser It is obvious to most that a few fellas are carrying a couple of extra kilos. I have decided to conduct a Biggest loser competition to try and trim away some of the Summer Kilos. The red team comprises of Lee Millsom, Drew Wilson, Travis Knight and Mark Trotter while the Blue team is made up of Brett Millsom, Matt Crawford, Spider and Chris Beadles. I will be announcing the female team next week. In the immortal words of Wayne Crawford “That you very much, I have left the building.”
BORO BITS 2
Seniors Great to pick up from where we left last year. The boys really needed the hit out but were up to the task. We have quite a rivalry with Diamond Creek so it was great to get the 4 points. Coach Dickson was rapt with the effort and all looks bright for the future with a number of new players kicking goals and in the best. Best were the Hutchinson twins, the Baggot twins and the Crawf.
Reserves We would just like to inform supporters that Stewie’s blood pressure has lowered considerably and has spent the week on a drip but is ready to coach again this weekend. The boys played a fantastic last quarter to overrun a determined Creek and will continue to improve. R. MCKINNON, B. O’CONNOR, S. GILBERT, T. LANDY, C. RUTTY, G. WORRALL Under 19’s Had a strong win and all signs are fantastic. The have already shaken the tag of ‘no Camolin’s no Boro.’ J. ROGERS, D. CAPALDO, R. SCARCE, J. SIMMONS, D. SHAW, M. BOSCO This week We see the return of a number of players and we are in excellent form. We are being careful not to get ahead of ourselves but a bit of finals familiarisation training at the Epping ground will be fantastic for the boys. Epping are always hard to beat there and they have some fantastic players. Boro by 250 points. Triple Treat You may recall we were following the progress of Boro’s 3 most eligible bachelors. Greg Baggot, Conlan Gunn and Luke Howard. Gregory Baggot’s mummy has gone on record declaring that Junior Bags has a girlfriend. From all reports she is completely normal. Jill is ecstatic at the news finally quashing rumours of his sexual preference. Conlan Gunn destroyed the opening bowlers of the DVCA over summer but remains dateless while Luke has gone through numerous haircuts but has been struggling since the Yarrawonga Golf Trip where he made Mark and Leslie so proud. Around the Club I went into the club nerd site on the internet and was pleasantly surprised. It is well worth a visit. Can the owner please let me know who you are so we can spice it up a bit? Social Notes The clubrooms look fantastic and please see the notice board for upcoming events. Make sure to buy a membership – See Russell Dower and let’s get back to the club after having a few beers with Epping boys.
BORO BITS 1
Firstly let me take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in the club’s success last year. The list of people who deserve thanks is endless but to the players, coaches, committee, support staff, members and supporters thanks for some great memories. We will unfurl the 3 flags soon. The playing group have vowed not to suffer from a premiership hangover but we are well aware that this year will be even easier than last year. There has been a lot of hype over the difference in the standards of the two divisions and we will be trying to remove any preconceived notions. Even after last years success the knives were out as the muckrakers once again tried to sack the coaches and committee. We only managed to dethrone JE from the top job of El Presidente and Jeff Buchanon has regained the mantle guaranteeing Simon a game round 1. The drought (the real one, not the Greg Baggot string of outs with the opposite sex) has plagued all clubs throughout the preseason. It is not rocket surgery to ascertain that the grounds are hard and that injuries will play a key role this season. Trainers and injury management will be a high priority and could mean the difference between winning and losing towards the latter part of the year. In all seriousness good luck to all players having a kick this year regardless of what team you are playing for. I trained the other week and the ground was rock hard and I thought to myself if someone as tough, durable and courageous as my self can feel the ground imagine how all the weakies feel. We have recruited well over the break and have held on to almost our entire playing list. The renovation of the clubrooms is coming along swimmingly and we thank everyone who is donating their time and effort. We would also like to welcome and pass on our best wishes to all of the new recruits and if I am not mistaken did I see the return of the old Jayco parked out the front of the toilets behind the goals. Beadles is back. Rumour file – Matt Crawford and Heath Stanton were special guests and the premier of “Brokeback Mountain” and Ryan Cameron still is unsure if ‘Borat’ was in fact a comedy.