Adelaide Footy League: Central United stalwarts Nathan Fenwick and Tyson Brooks celebrate milestones on club’s 60th anniversary

A local footy stalwart has credited an Adelaide Footy League club for turning his life around as he and a teammate gear up to celebrate major milestones this weekend.

A popular Adelaide Footy League president and player has credited his club for changing his life after achieving a historic career milestone.

Central United Football Club president Nathan Fenwick – who also plays for the Bulldogs’ reserves – will run out for a club-best 350th time on Saturday.

The 39-year-old stalwart started his senior career 25 years ago and will achieve his milestone as the northern club celebrates its 60th year since establishment.

“It’s my life. The place is really important to me and was huge for me when I was a young kid – I didn’t have a great home life but at the club I had 20 big brothers, 20 fathers that set me in the right direction,” Fenwick said.

“I’ve had friends who have gone the other way, into drugs or have gone to jail, but I was lucky enough to have a club to go to and spend my time.

“To be able to have mates I’ve made and past players come down to the club to celebrate on Saturday is massive.”

Nathan Fenwick with son Noah at Central United Football Club. He will celebrate a club record 350 games on Saturday, also the club’s 60th anniversary. Picture: Central United Football Club

Fenwick has played both A Grade football and cricket for Central United, one of only six Bulldogs to do so, and also has a B Grade best and fairest under his belt.

Despite his contributions as a player though, he values the recent years as president and treasurer of the club the most.

“I’ve been a bit unlucky I guess, I wasn’t part of the 2006 and 2010 A Grade premiership teams but I did still enjoy witnessing those achievements as a fan and club member,” Fenwick said.

“The club was in a bit of trouble a couple years ago at the bottom of division seven when I took up the president role, but we’re competitive in division six now and I think we’re a strong chance for promotion if we can put it together for finals.

“Seeing the club push on and achieve from seniors down to juniors, and playing a role in that, I can sit back and be proud of my contribution.”

Bulldogs champion Tyson Brooks will also celebrate a major milestone on Saturday. Picture: Central United Football Club

Popular clubman Tyson Brooks will also celebrate a milestone on Saturday – playing his 200th game for the Bulldogs and achieving life membership.

The star midfielder and defender played in the club’s 2006 premiership at the age of 15, and soon after became a mainstay in the senior side.

He now plays in the reserves with Fenwick.

“The club has been really big for me – I grew up here, my brother played here and my mother was team manager at one stage too,” Brooks said.

“I now bring my kids here all the time, it’s just such a welcoming family club.

“Reaching 200 games and life membership is something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s going to be a very big day.”

Central United will host Fitzroy at Mofflin Reserve on Saturday.