Gus ‘banks’ 400

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.