STEVE Clifton always had a burning desire to return to where it all started.
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Saturday will mark Clifton’s official return to Lake Wendouree and, even with three VFL premierships and two VFL best and fairest titles under his belt, he is not immune to nerves.
Aside from a one-off Ballarat Football League match in Lakers colours last year, Saturday’s game against Ballarat will be his first
match for Lake Wendouree since the under 16s.
Despite spending more than 10 years playing at North Ballarat Roosters/Rebels, Clifton says stepping back into the Lakers fold has been a seamless transition.
In addition to leading the midfield as club captain, he will also fill the role of assistant coach.
“There are a few nerves, I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t,” he said.
“To pull on the blue, green and gold and wear the anchor again is something I’m pretty excited about.”
Although he undoubtedly still has enough talent to be pulling on the boots in the VFL, Clifton said he always wanted to return to where it all began while he could still make an impact.
“I always wanted to come back to Lakers before I was too washed up and old and doing a hamstring every weekend,” he said.
“I figured I’m 27, so I’m still young enough where I can offer the club something, hopefully, and also teach the younger guys a few things.
“The time was right to come back here and I know I’ve made the right decision.”
With his uncle Dave, the current president at the club, not to mention a number of his cousins also still playing, the former GWS-listed player said the culture of the club had not changed in his time away.
He always tried to attend as many club functions as possible, even when he was away from the club, making his return even easier.
“One of the things about the Lakers is that it’s always been a big family club and a lot of those families are still around since when I was last here about 10 years ago – those things never change.”
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au