Marshall the troops

By DAVID NAGEL
THESE days Greg Marshall is president of the Pakenham Football Club, but once upon a time he was a starry-eyed supporter who loved nothing more than watching his heroes run around on a Saturday.
Marshall’s passion is just one example of the dedication and love that so many people have for the Pakenham Football Club and is the major reason why this Saturday’s Heritage Match against ROC will be such a memorable occasion.
A reunion of the 1952, 62, 72, 82 and 2002 premiership sides will take place at Toomuc Reserve, but to Marshall, and many others, it means so much more.
“Oh yeah, the premierships are important, but the day is about everyone that’s been involved with the club, the players, supporters, men, women, the netball club, we appreciate everyone’s contribution,” Marshall said.
“It should be a ripping day for our club.”
So who were his heroes growing up?
“Hughie Bourke won’t like me saying this, but I had his number 6 on the back of my jumper growing up. We had Billy Drake in 15, Norm Jackson in 11, Paddy Monckton in 16, these blokes were absolute superstars,” he said.
“Billy Drake was a hero to most of us kids.
“Then there’s Billy Graham, who coached us to three flags on the trot in ’72, ’73 and ’74. If he’s not the best player to ever play at the club well, he’s certainly in the top three.”
Marshall’s passion for the club is impressive and he just can’t wait for the day to arrive.
“Just to see the excitement of those guys, the ’82 team has never had a reunion and I’m pretty sure the ’62 team has never had one either,” he said.
“The ’82 win was unexpected so it’ll be great to see that team together again. It will just be a magic day.”
Pakenham’s on-field struggles have been well documented this year but Marshall said it’s the ideal opportunity to lift the mood of the place.
“It’s exciting for this group of players, it’s been a long year but this will be a highlight, to pull on the heritage jumper and play in front of a huge crowd will be tremendous for them.”
It seems like Greg Marshall is still a bit starry-eyed.