Brothers Brett, Jamie and Wayne Hinge with nephew Dillon before their reserves game. 83793_01 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By MICHAEL ESPOSITO
A RARE milestone was achieved at Sunshine Heights Football Club on 7 July.
Three brothers – Jamie, Wayne and Brett Hinge – and nephew Dillon played together for the first time, and in the process reached 1000 collective games for the Western Region Football League Club.
Jamie Hinge said it was one of the highlights of his football career, even putting it ahead of receiving life membership and the club’s Division 2 premiership in 2008.
Jamie said he has been at the club “since the day I came out of hospital.” Such is his connection to the Dragons.
His older brothers, also life members, joined the club in 1973. Jamie joined them and played his first game for the Dragons in 1978. Dillon has been at the club for two years.
The 33-year-old has played 263 games for the Dragons, and has not ruled out the possibility of joining the 300 club.
“I sort of tried to retire but because of lack of numbers and injuries it’s meant I’ve had to play a few games this year,” he said.
It’s a common story at local footy level, especially at clubs such as Sunshine Heights that don’t have the recruiting power of some of the more well-resourced clubs.
But despite his initial plans to hang up the boots, Jamie said he was committed to play a full season with Sunshine Heights next year.
He may not get to play with his brothers or nephew again as Wayne and Brett play in the over 35s Super Rules competition and Dillon a regular fixture in the senior team.
The Dragons have been starved of success since being promoted to Division 1. The senior and reserves teams are both yet to win a game this season, and Jamie believes it’s time to go back to Division 2 and rebuild.
“I think it’s what the club needs. We tried our hand at first division and its not working for us so we do need to go back, win a few games, and hopefully get the crowd and the support back and morale around the club,” he said.
“The rebuilding would have to take a long time, like rebuilding with juniors and getting some financial status and then we might be able to have another crack at first division.”
But lack of success won’t deter Jamie from playing on, as long as his body is up to it.
“It’s going as well as can be, about the same as everybody else’s. Sunday mornings hurt, but you’re usually right by Monday,” he said.
