By YASEMIN TALAT
A YOUNG footballer will be stepping on the footy field, donning a new jersey and honorary number this season.
Jayke Ewer, 19, made his move back to Deer Park Football Club this season to play for his late father’s former club.
Jayke, who originally played for the club as a child with his older brother, played most of his footy for Caroline Springs before moving to Hoppers Crossing.
But now he is back at the club that has deep family history for the youngster.
“Back in the day, Dad was number 15 when he played for Deer Park,” Jayke said.
“A big part of me wanted to go back to Deer Park and get that number 15,” he said.
“I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do with football, and thinking about dad, I think he would be rapt for me to go back to Deer Park and I’m rapt.”
Jayke said he was very happy to be presented with his dad’s former number, and said his appreciation for the game he loved had grown even more.
“I feel really good now that I’m back, I want to keep playing and doing my best and hopefully play for the seniors,” he said.
“I just want to enjoy myself playing footy while I can and do the best I can for the Deer Park Football Club.”
Jayke said his mum was especially excited and the events put a big smile back on her face.
“Our last name is pretty big around the footy club, and everyone knew my dad,” he said.
“Going back there means a lot to me and the family.”
