Local SA footy legend, Tumby Bay champion Chris ‘Tractor’ Prime chalks up 450 games

Local SA footy’s greatest ever goalkicker has added another achievement to his mantle as he prepares for what he says could be his final game.

Local SA footy’s greatest goalkicker has chalked up yet another milestone as his illustrious 36-year career draws closer to an end.

Chris ‘Tractor’ Prime ran out for his 450th senior game on Saturday as his Tumby Bay reserves defeated United Yeelanna 72-31 in the Great Flinders Football League semi-finals to book a spot in the big dance.

The 51-year-old bush footy legend began his senior career at the age of 15 in 1986 for hometown club Port Neill before representing Tasmans, Ports and – since 2007 – Tumby Bay.

According to country footy historian Peter Lines, Prime – a strong forward with a booming kick – has tallied around 2100 goals in local footy, and if his 182 goals at Norwood from 1993-1995 are included, he would have near 2300.

Veteran country footballer and former Norwood cult hero Chris Prime played his 450th country match in the Great Flinders League B Grade second-semi on Saturday. Picture: Bernard Humphreys

“Nerves were pretty high but not because of my milestone, we just really wanted to get the win and make the grand final,” Prime said of his 450th game.

“When I think about it, it’s a great achievement, but footy is more about the people you meet along the way and the mates you make, and I’ve made plenty over 36 years from my clubs and from other clubs.”

Prime started as a defender when he arrived at Tumby Bay in 2007 but the legendary spearhead soon made his mark when he moved up front, booting 150 goals that season and leading his side to an A Grade flag.

Since that year he has made the club his home, dominating up front for the A and B grades and also coaching the juniors.

Chris Prime at Norwood training in 1993, his first year at the Redlegs. Picture: Neon Martin

“In footy, when you move to a club you embrace it – you’re going to be involved in any way possible,” Prime said.

“I throw myself into anything, whether it be coaching under 16s or doing dishes, I just love being around the club and I’d be doing that sort of thing in footy even if I wasn’t playing.

“To stay involved is just a massive passion and I’ve loved my time here.”

Prime’s Tumby Bay side will take on the winner of United Yeelanna and Cummins Ramblers in this year’s grand final as he aims for his fifth premiership with the club.

Prime said this season’s grand final could be the last time he takes to the footy field. Picture: Bernard Humphreys

While his body has held up til now, the veteran forward said he was close to hanging up the boots on what has been an iconic career, with the grand final being his last game.

“The only thing which might stop me is I’ve played 198 games with Port Neill, just a couple off of 200, but at the moment it’s likely it’ll be my last game.

“I’ve been lucky to not have many injuries and to get this far really.

“It’ll be a special day and hopefully we can get over the line.”