Seaton Ramblers legend Paul Marshall reaches 500 senior games

He’s played among and coached many footy greats across three clubs and the same number of decades. Now he’s set to make legend status himself.

After playing and coaching for three clubs over a 30-year stretch, an SA local footy icon will make legend status when he reaches a major milestone on Saturday.

Popular Seaton Ramblers clubman Paul Marshall – who also spent time at SMOSH West Lakes and Portland football clubs – will play his 500th senior game when the Ramblers’ A Grade takes on Modbury at home in the third division of the Adelaide Footy League.

“The enormity of it all is starting to sink in,” Marshall said.

“The last 100 games has especially been a bit of a long haul but I’m thrilled to be joining only a few others in league history and I’m just really looking forward to celebrating with a lot of people who’ve been part of the journey.”

Seaton Ramblers’ Luke Walsh (left) and Bradyn Wild (right) with Marshall before his 450th game. He will play number 500 on Saturday. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Marshall, now 48 years old, started his career as a teenager at St Michael’s Old Scholars and Hindmarsh (now SMOSH West Lakes), winning an A Grade premiership at 19, before heading to Portland and winning the club’s first premiership in 2000.

He then coached at Portland before joining Seaton Ramblers as a division one player in 2006, eventually becoming a premiership coach of the B Grade coach and also club president, all while playing for the club’s A Grade side as a reliable midfielder.

Marshall’s impact on Ramblers has been significant and he now coaches the A Grade side while playing for B Grade.

“The premierships I won as a player probably stand out the most when I look back on my time – I thought it was easy starting out because I won two pretty quickly,” he said.

Marshall celebrates Seaton Ramblers' B Grade premiership in 2010. Picture: Seaton Ramblers Football Club

“The B Grade premiership at Seaton was huge as well though and it was quite different coaching one.

“It’s definitely been a balancing act coaching and playing – sometimes I’ll miss the third quarter of B Grade games to address the A Grade side – but I love both too much.”

Marshall has barely taken a break from the game throughout his three decades at the senior level, but he has also been able to avoid persistent injuries.

He said physical and mental toughness was key to his longevity.

“I’m still pretty fit, I make sure I’m always working – even in the off-season,” Marshall said.

Marshall has been able to keep his mental and physical health in check during his later years with Ramblers.

“It can be mentally challenging as well at times but I just absolutely love the game, I was born with a footy in my hand.

“The mates I’ve been able to make as well, and just experiencing the big and little wins with them, that’s been the main reason I’ve stuck with it for so long.”

Marshall will run out in the A Grade for the last time on Saturday as his team aims to stay up and make finals, and while he will consider his options at the end of the year, his obsession with the sport will continue.

“I might take a little break after 30 years but I’ll see how I feel.

“I’ll always be drawn back to footy whether in an official capacity or just as a supporter.”

VOTE FOR GOAL AND MARK OF THE WEEK