By Liam Twomey
MARIBYRNONG Football Club has successfully turned a Kangaroo into a Lion by signing a footballer who is one of the best and most dominating to ever play the game, Wayne Carey.
As Carey prepares to pull on the Maribyrnong Park jumper, and create a whole new set of nightmares for another back line, he is happy with how his body is standing up to competitive training.
“I’m enjoying the training. I’ve put a few sessions together now and it’s great,” Carey said.
“The body has been pulling up really well. I haven’t had any soreness or anything like that so that’s a really good sign.
“It’s been good to get a bit of continuity with the training. When the time’s right and I feel like the body is ready to go, hopefully I’ll be right to play a game.”
The time will be officially right in round 15 when Maribyrnong hosts Avondale Heights in what will be one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season.
Essendon District Football League general manager Marc Turri said it was exciting news.
“It’s fantastic from an EDFL point of view to have a player of that calibre playing in the competition.
“It brings the focus not just on Maribyrnong Park but also on the league as a whole and the 24 EDFL clubs,” Turri said.
“For Maribyrnong Park to have been able to secure such a huge signature in the football world is a real credit to those guys.”
One of the major factors for Carey in signing with the Lions is his desire to line up with his nephew, Kade Carey, who is a dominating forward for Maribyrnong.
“We have always wanted to do it and never got the opportunity,” Carey said.
“He played back in Wagga for a while and I was going to do it there for one year but it was never able to happen.
“I’ve got a few mates here as well so it will be good fun. I’m really enjoying it at the moment.”
Carey played 272 games over his career, 244 with North Melbourne and 28 with Adelaide. He won two premierships and numerous club best-and-fairest awards at the Kangaroos.
Turri said the signing of Carey reinforces that the EDFL is the ideal place for ex-AFL footballers who wish to continue playing football.
“I think it lifts the league to another level and shows that the league is a worthwhile home for players of that magnitude to be able to continue their football after their careers are finished.”
Spare a thought for the Avondale Heights’ defender who will have the job of containing Carey in round 15. Turri believes, no matter what the result, it will be a great experience for him and his Avondale Heights’ team-mates.
“It will be exciting for their players. There are not too many footballers who can claim to have lined up against Wayne Carey,” Turri said.
“Whoever the opponent is from Avondale Heights, I’m sure he will be looking forward to the occasion to actually play on a superstar of the game. He will have his own bragging rights as the man who lined up on Wayne Carey. I think Avondale Heights will go into it with the right attitude.”
