FOOTBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By samuel darroch
FORMER AFL star and Gippsland Power coach Nick Stevens has relished the chance to wear the Maroon jersey at Traralgon this season.
After 104 matches with Carlton and 127 at Port Adelaide, Stevens can add five at Traralgon to his playing resume and is enjoying the change of pace from the elite level.
“It’s more been about having a bit of fun for me. I’ve never really played at local level, I sort of went straight from the under 18s straight into the AFL, so it’s just good to get back because I’ve played footy pretty serious from 15 or 16,” he said.
“I think it’s just the locker room banter and having some fun with your mates (that I enjoy).”
The 33 year-old’s engagement with the Gippsland League side began alongside former clubmate Brendan Fevola in an exhibition against Morwell on the Queen’s Birthday holiday this year.
With ties to club vice president Steve Hazelman, and several Traralgon players through cricket, Stevens decided to continue the relationship whenever Power commitments allowed.
“Our under 18s footy club (at Power), although it is a footy club, it’s not a traditional one because everyone comes in from all over town and we don’t get to a do a great deal of functions and stuff together,” he said.
“Nothing beats getting out there, having a bit of fun and playing footy. I really enjoy that sort of side because when I moved down here I only knew two people in the town, so it’s been really good in that aspect.
“It’s really helped me fit in and enjoy my time being down here.”
Stevens retired from AFL football in 2009 after suffering a recurrence of a neck injury, but made a full recovery and played a series of matches for former club Montmorency in the Northern Football League before taking the coaching job at Power.
The dual Michael Tuck medallist has taken a back seat at Traralgon, but shares his wisdom and experience when called upon.
“I do help out and give them any suggestions that I think. Jumbo (coach Paul McCulloch) and I are pretty close so we always talk and he asks me things, but I think it works well for them as well,” he said.
“It’s sort of a week-to-week thing at the moment so I’ll wait and see what happens.”
Leading into finals, Stevens believes the Maroons have what it takes to stake their claim for the 2013 flag.
“I think they’ve been very competitive against the top sides, they just need a bit of luck here and there and who knows what can happen,” he said.
