River Murray Football League champ Ty Burkett marks 20 years at the top for Jervois Football Club
He grew up donning the red and black and now after 27 years of success this local footy champion has made history for the club he calls home.
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An iconic clubman has been etched into local footy history by donning the same guernsey for 20 years at the senior level.
Jervois Football Club’s Ty ‘Buckets’ Burkett is still dominating for the River Murray Football League juggernaut’s A Grade side at 36 and officially completed his 20th season for the seniors on Saturday.
While the league-leading ‘Bluds’ lost to second spot Imperials, the local icon said the day was one he would never forget.
“There were lots of emotions and a lot of butterflies on the day,” Burkett said of achieving the milestone.
“It was quite surreal, a lot of past players came out to congratulate me and both Imps and Jervois formed me a guard of honour as well which was super humbling.”
Burkett’s grandfather joined Jervois in 1956 so it was only natural for a young Burkett to follow suit, signing up at the age of nine in 1995.
He made his senior debut at 16 after winning an U17s best and fairest as a midfielder and went on to become a decorated asset for the Bluds.
20 years and 286 games on, he has reinvented himself as a reliable defender, winning five A Grade premierships and one reserves flag.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be part of some good runs with the club a fair distance apart – I won three flags in a row from 2005 to 2007 and obviously we’ve won the last two premierships as well,” Burkett said.
“I’ve definitely had ups and downs with my body along the way but I’m looking after it better now and I’ve still got a lot left in me.
“I’m definitely a chance to be part of a couple more premierships and hopefully we can get three in a row this year – we’ve got the talent we just need to execute.”
While Jervois’ premierships were major highlights for Burkett, his time at the club has been about the relationships he has made off the field.
Much to Burkett’s joy, he has been able to include his son Elijah in the matchday experience and even met now wife Siew-Yee at the club in 2014.
“I’ve grown up here, it’s a second home,” Burkett said.
“At the end of the day it’s about the people – it’s a family club and everyone gets along with each other and supports each other no matter what.
“The club has had a huge influence on me.”
Burkett has a possible 11 games left this year, but the star veteran believed he could go around again.
“My goal is to get to 350 games and make RMFL life membership,” he said.
“I’d love to get close to Jervois record holder Alan Rickaby’s 428 games but we’ll have to see how I go.
“It depends how the body holds up and I’ll have more family commitments with another son on the way.”
The Bluds will take on Mannum this Saturday as it aims for a third straight premiership.
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