It was not that long ago when we saw the likes of Michael Tuck and Craig Bradley continue their playing careers until they were 38. In fact Bradley was just short of turning 39 when he retired. We are now in an era where most footballers review their priorities as they approach 30.
Luckily for Subiaco one of our favourite sons from the last decade has decided to play on in 2010 at the tender age of 36. At the end of 2009 Allistair Pickett was questioning whether he had anything more he could offer the league team. However, during the off season Ali embarked on probably his most vigorous pre-season campaign and the endless hours in the gym have him the best shape of his life. The thought of travelling to the bush to play was not appealing and with a desire to play league football the voice in his head said keep playing while you can. There are many reasons why the Allistair (aka “the little master”, “wiz”, “the champ”, “maestro”, “legend”, “AP” etc) wanted to play on.
Firstly Chris Waterman firmly believes Alistair has something to offer. Ali still has lightning speed, his body is in good shape, he only started playing league football at 29 so he is still young in terms of WAFL football, and he wants to play. Ali felt he still had something to offer and thought that if the opportunity arose he would grab it. Allistair is currently involved with coaching of our Colts group and he will continue in that role. His son Alliston (“Buddy”) is showing promise at that level and while we may all fantasize about a father/son combination in the league team that is putting unrealistic pressure on the young fellow.
Ali realises that his days as a premier on-baller have passed him and he sees himself as crumbing forward coming off the bench and even pinch hitting in the middle. At 36 he will see how his body copes. Of particular interest to Ali was the passion of hopefully playing in a NAIDOC game in 2010. He has missed of these games in the last two years because of injury and he looks forward to the opportunity of representing his culture in a Subiaco gurnsey.
Ali has delighted the Subi faithful for many years and we look forward to some of his magic again in 2010. Good luck Ali, we are behind you.
