Buninyong stalwart Mark Phelps has been forced to wait longer than he thought, but he'll finally play game 300 for the Bombers against Rokewood-Corindhap on Saturday.
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Due to play the milestone game in 2020 and more recently on May 29, Phelps was forced to wait by the lockdown and restrictions in Victoria.
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He told The Courier once it became a possibility, the milestone was a goal of his, even after all the delays and problems COVID-19 has presented.
"It's something I set my mind to a couple of years ago because it was so close," he said.
"With COVID and all that it prolonged it a fair bit, so it's been a long drawn out wait to get there, but it's been good all the same.
"I obviously play (footy) because I still enjoy it."
It's been a hell of a journey for Phelps, who played his junior footy with Buninyong.
He joined Sebastopol for a year when the junior club at the Bombers folded.
He returned to Buninyong to begin his senior career, winning the 2002 premiership with the club, it's only flag to date.
Phelps joined East Point for three years, playing in the club's 2009 Grand Final appearance.
He returned to the Bombers to recently play off in the 2012 and 2013 senior grand finals with the club and win the 2017 and 2018 reserves premierships.
"I always wanted to go back into town and have a bit of a kick and enjoyed my time in at East, but definitely wanted to finish my football at Buninyong," he said.
"It's been good to be a part of a successful club ... the club's been solid for a long time.
"That probably satisfies me more that the club's actually been in good stead for 20 years and has always been competitive.
"(It's) always kept its local talent and also the people that come and play hang around the club so it says a fair bit about the club itself."
Phelps said this season would be his last, but he will continue to be involved at the club in some way after his playing days are finished.
"This year will be it," he said.
"I've committed to the year, it's not just getting 300 and calling it quits, it's commit to the year.
"Obviously still be involved with the club later on, whether it's around the club doing duties, sponsor, maybe coaching, I'm not sure yet."
Until then, Phelps will continue on playing with Buninyong in season 2021.
He's featured in four reserves games so far, named in the best on two occassions, with three goals to his name.
The Bombers reserves sit seventh on the table with a 3-2 record.
They take on Rokewood-Corindhap today in an important clash.
The Hoppers sit just two spots above Buninyong, one game clear on 16 points.
A win helps the Bombers top four hopes.
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Ollie Nash
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
