By Marc McGowan
ELLINBANK Football Club stalwart Andrew ‘Gus’ Peterson almost inspired his side to an unlikely victory over Kooweerup in his 400th game for the club on Saturday.
The 44-year-old returned to the seniors for his milestone game after first playing for the Bankers in 1982.
Only a last-minute goal denied the three-time club best-and-fairest winner a fairytale triumph as Ellinbank lost by one point to the Demons.
But Peterson will always look back fondly on the weekend after sharing the field with his 18-year-old son, Josh, for the first time at senior level.
Peterson came out of retirement three years ago to play with Josh in a reserves match, but Saturday’s contest was his first senior game since 2003.
“I just love being able to play – I’m lucky I can still run around because some at my age would have no hope,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky that way because I wouldn’t say I have looked after myself that well. I do like to play a bit off the ground as well!”
Peterson, who lives in Warragul after residing in Ellinbank for most of his life, has enjoyed a remarkable career.
He has won seven premierships, including four in the seniors, and also played interleague for the EDFL four times – once as captain.
Three of Peterson’s four daughters, Kiara, 15, Akayla, 14, and Tahlia, 12, play netball for Ellinbank and he expects five-year-old Porshia to follow suit soon.
One of his highlights is coaching Ellinbank to its last reserves’ flag in 2001, when he won the league’s and club’s best-and-fairest award and was best afield in the grand final.
Peterson is extremely satisfied with his career, but has one regret after Saturday’s encounter.
“It’s just a shame I’m not 20 years younger. I would have really shown them what it’s about,” he joked.
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