FOR Minyip-Murtoa’s John Delahunty, football has primarily been about two things – enjoyment and success.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The dual Burras best-and-fairest has had a share of both in recent years – winning the prestigious A.V. McIntyre Medal in 2011 and 2013 and tasting premiership glory with Victorian Amateur Football Association club University Blacks in 2012 – among a host of other achievements.
Now he is targeting success with the Burras – who last claimed the Wimmera Football League title 15 seasons ago, in 1998.
“I just want the club to be as successful as possible for the remainder of my career – which is hopefully making the finals this year and continuing to improve,” Delahunty said.
“This year I have no doubt we can be within the top three.
“It should be a really even competition this year – it’s an exciting time for the league.”
It’s an exciting time for the Burras as well, with Murtoa Recreation Reserve to host its first night match in round three against Horsham.
Delahunty said the newly-installed lights were a credit to volunteers and their passion for the club.
“These new lights are going to be brilliant,” he said.
“It’s a great achievement for the club getting the lights and a night game in Wimmera league footy.
“The people involved in the club put in so much hard work.
“It’s full of people you want to surround yourself with and people who work extra hard so the players can just run around.”
Delahunty – who finished fourth in last year’s Toohey Medal count – played all his junior football with the Burras, made his senior debut at the age of 15 and has represented the club alongside brothers Chris and Tom.
He played for the North Ballarat Rebels at TAC Cup level and with Box Hill’s reserves in the VFL. He has also worn both the Big W and Vic Country guernseys in representative football.
This year Delahunty has added another string to his bow – coaching the Wimmera under-15 V/Line Cup squad.
He said he had enjoyed the experience to date.
“It’s great to be back involved in this kind of environment,” he said.
“We’re three or four weeks in and the boys are starting to get a bit more comfortable around each other.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting these people and passing on a few skills here and there.”
“It’s great to be back involved in this kind of environment.”
- John Delahunty
Delahunty said helping develop up-and-coming players at the Burras was also a strong interest.
“Personally I love to help people improve, particularly the younger fellas at the club,” he said.
“I want to help these guys get to the next level – guys like Karl Campbell, Brylie Cameron, Jack Boschen and Dan Launer.”
Coaching is something Delahunty hopes will feature somewhere in his future.
“If one day the opportunity arrives I’ll definitely consider it – but I can’t imagine it will be for any other club,” he said.
“Whatever I can bring to the table – playing, coaching or helping out – I’ll do it.”
For now, he is committed to bringing success to the club he loves.
“I love the people at the club – it’s somewhere I’m going to be based for the rest of my career,” he said.
“I want Minyip-Murtoa to taste the success it deserves.”