THERE are not many footballers who lead their club for 254 games, retire, and then return to coach its junior netball team.
It’s probably one of the reasons Bacchus Marsh footballer Wayne Cracknell has been awarded one of the Ballarat Football Netball League’s highest honours – he’s a true clubman.
The 42 year old has been inducted into the league’s hall of fame, the first Cobra inducted since the award it was introduced in 2008.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, for a league that’s 119 years old and to join some of the names mentioned,” Cracknell said. “I’m humbled and proud, and a bit shocked.”
Since debuting in 1987, Cracknell’s list of achievements is extensive: club captain and coach, club and league best and fairest medal winner and VCFL representative.
The only thing lacking from his swag of plaudits is a premiership medal. He came close in 1999, when the Cobras lost to Sunbury by 11 points.
In his induction speech, Cracknell thanked the “unsung heroes of grassroots footy”.
He also praised Bacchus Marsh games record holder Mick Dodd and the late Jack Jefferies, after whom the club’s best and fairest award was named.
“Having the opportunity to look back, you soon realise how many people have touched you and how many people you have touched,” Cracknell said. “There are many unsung heroes at football clubs and they can usually be found doing the dirty jobs. We all know who they are and believe their efforts did not go unnoticed — they made our club better.”
He paid tribute to coaches Ian Dominguez, Nev Wilkie and Malcolm Scott, with special mention going to Mick Phyland, who transformed him from a midfielder who went forward into a running half-back. “This changed my whole attitude and made me look at football in a totally different way, it made me a better player.” he said.
Cracknell said the support of his family was also crucial. “You can’t do anything in life if you don’t have a strong family connection.”
It’s these family ties, after 25 years service to Bacchus Marsh FC, that have Cracknell guiding the next generation at the club. This season he was the under-14 football and under-12 netball coach.
“We had junior netball for the first time this year and my daughter started playing, so I thought I’d better support her as I’ve supported my son.”
With both teams recently losing elimination finals, Cracknell can now turn his attention to his other great sporting love, cricket. He will again pad up for Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club next month.
