LOYALTY is an important quality to Rupanyup man Paul Trotter.
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Trotter, 34, will play his 300th game for the Panthers at senior level when the team takes on Taylors Lake in the Horsham District league on Saturday.
Trotter has been playing senior football since he was 15 and has played in three premierships, winning one in 2001.
“I played a bit of interleague and won a couple best and fairest awards, but the premiership is the big one and the one I’m most proud of,” he said.
Trotter said he loved his hometown club.
“The best part is there is no internal groups. We all gel well together,” he said.
“You can sit down and chat to anyone about anything. It’s a great club.
“My mates are all here, I have a young family and I would love to see my kids playing here, too.”
Trotter said he had been lucky with injuries throughout his career.
“I injured my wrist early on but I stay in the team because of consistency I suppose,” he said.
“I was born and bred in Rupanyup and I couldn’t imagine playing for another club. I know the people here, I love the people here, I love the town. I have a lot of pride for Rupanyup.”
Trotter said he would keep playing football while his body allowed it.
“I am playing because I love the game, not for any other reasons. I’ll keep playing until my body can’t keep going,” he said.
Trotter said the Panthers were heading in a positive direction.
“It’s a bit disappointing it has taken so long for us to gel but we have belief in ourselves now,” he said.
“We have a young side, if you don’t count myself and another senior player, so the future looks good.
“We are starting to work well and understand each other. Hopefully in the last four games of the season we can be competitive. We want to see ourselves in the mid section of the league.”