Former Adelaide Crow Ian Perrie wins GSFL Mail Medal and premiership with Encounter Bay
A SEACHANGE and a former Crows sidekick have helped Ian Perrie take out the Great Southern Football League’s Mail Medal.
A SEACHANGE and a former Crows sidekick have helped Ian Perrie take out the Great Southern Football League’s Mail Medal.
Perrie, who played 116 AFL games for Adelaide from 1998-2007, won the league’s best and fairest award last week — less than 12 months after joining Encounter Bay for a “change of scenery” and to play alongside long-time Crows teammate Scott Welsh.
Perrie, 34, spent the season as the Eagles’ No. 1 ruckman, while Welsh was their 74-goal spearhead.
The pair capped their first season playing together since 2007 with a premiership on Saturday.
“I wanted a change of scenery and also play with Welshy,” said Perrie, who joined Encounter Bay from amateur club Pulteney.
“We thought we’d get the old firm together.
“It’s mates playing with mates and it’s worked out all right.
“It’s good to be able to contribute to the side and enjoy footy.”
Perrie, nicknamed “Sarge”, said he and Welsh had enjoyed reuniting in country footy ranks.
“The last environment we played footy in was more survival mode, whereas this is a high level but you look forward to the things around it,” Perrie said.
“You can enjoy a beer on Thursday nights and a beer after the game.
“In this league you’re backed by the whole community.
“It’s got a unique flavour to it, which is great.”