Paul Koderenko has red, white and blue running through his veins.
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He launched his football career at nine years of age with East Ballarat and then was one of the foundation players when East Point was created in 2001 by the merger of the Bulldogs and Golden Point in the Ballarat Football League.
The 33-year-old ruckman’s loyalty to the colours will be underlined when lines up for his 200th club game against Ballarat at the Eastern Oval on Saturday.
While like every top-line player Koderenko has had his share of offers to move, he said he had never considered playing anywhere else other than East Point.
“It’s a great place.”
Koderenko, who brings up the milestone with his 196th senior appearance, made his senior debut as a 16-year-old against Melton in 2000 and remembers matching up against former Footscray player Danny Del-Re in what was a premiership year for the Bloods.
”It was daunting, but a real honour to be playing so young.”
Koderenko said he had been reflecting on his playing career – the seven coaches he had and hurt he still felt from the 2006 grand final loss he was part of. He missed the 2009 grand final, which was the first of three seasons he spent overseas.
Koderenko said he remained as keen as ever, still holding a burning desire to be part of an East Point premiership.
East Point football director Gary Wilson describes Koderenko as the heart and soul of the club.
“He’s been a true warrior who has given his all and continues to give his all.
“He’s great to have around,” Wilson said.
TRANSPORT magnate Lindsay Fox will a special guest at a Golden Point football reunion at the Eastern oval on Saturday.
The 79-year-old Fox will join senior teammates from Point in 1957.
Almost 30 of the 47 players who played that year will attend a luncheon at the Eastern Oval.
Fox was sent to Golden Point by St Kilda to work on his game for a year before returning to the Saints.
He made his VFL debut in 1960 and played 20 games as a ruckman.
Fox was selected St Kilda president in 1979.