Gerringong Lions legends Nathan Ford and Rixon Russell claim sixth Group 7 first grade premiership together
The Gerringong Lions’ 2023 premiership win was special for a number of reasons, none more so than for Nathan Ford and Rixon Russell who claimed their sixth title together. Hear from both the local legends.
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The Gerringong Lions’ victory in the Group 7 grand final on Sunday was special for a number of reasons.
A comeback victory, a starting lineup with 16 out of 17 players being local juniors, a record 21st first grade premiership, a double victory alongside the reserve grade Lions, the list goes on.
For captain Nathan Ford and vice-captain Rixon Russell though, it was an incredible sixth individual Group 7 first grade premiership with the Lions for both players.
The two veterans have emerged from grand finals with trophy in hand in 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020 and now 2023, an incredible achievement for both players.
“It’s still the best feeling,” Russell said.
“After losing last year, it was a bit of relief this year, especially for the blokes who had been with us for a few tougher years and hadn’t won one yet.
“Seeing my brother [Isaac Russell] win in the reserve grade as well really made me hungry to get out there and get the job done.
“Scott Stewart as well, he’s been with us for three years and done such a good job filling the massive shoes of Mick Cronin as coach, so to finally get one with him was a great moment.”
The Lions emerged slender 12-10 winners over the Shellharbour Sharks to be crowned champions for 2023, with Alexander Weir scoring the all-important late try to put the Lions ahead with only a handful of minutes remaining.
“It’s the toughest game I’ve played in,” captain Ford said.
“It became a mental toughness battle with the heat and the conditions, players were out on their feet everywhere.
“It was a huge achievement for me and for the club, the feeling doesn’t get old.”
In the week’s build-up to the grand final, coach Scott Stewart highlighted how fortunate his young side is to have the experience of Ford and Russell in their ranks. Both players would end up playing massive roles in their side’s win and repay the faith their coach put in them.
“It’s a credit to those two that they keep working hard and getting the job done, at an age where lots of players will let themselves go a bit,” Stewart said.
“They’ve both played some of the best footy of their career this year.”
Russell moved to Gerringong from Culburra at age 13 and has played alongside Ford ever since. The duo played 4-5 years of juniors together before making first grade debuts as promising young stars, Russell in the halves and Ford in hooker.
Now, at the age of 32 and with six premierships together, they’re both still doing the business together in the spine for the Lions.
“I never would have dreamed of winning six premierships together,” Russell said.
“He’s a freak Nathan, at his age he’s still the strongest in the gym, always leading the lads at training.
“He’s always got some sort of injury but he’ll still front up and play every week.
“That play he came up with in the grand final where he nabbed the ball of that kick and ran 60-70m, that swung the game back in our favour.”
For a while it looked like Russell would need to come off in the grand final when he appeared to pick up an arm injury in a tackle on James Ralphs. But with their utility substitute Nicholas Quinn already in the mix for injured five-eighth Taj Ford, Russell would be forced to see out the game and ended up putting in an invaluable stint.
“He’s one of the toughest blokes I’ve ever played with, always punching above his weight,” Ford said about his halfback.
“His speed is totally gone but his heart is still there.”
Now in the latter years of their careers, the unavoidable question of how longevity comes to the forefront for veterans like Russell and Ford.
For captain Ford, the answer was without hesitation and a warning to the competition in 2024.
“I’ll be back mate,” Ford said.
“There’s plenty of time left in life to stand on the hill and support, but that time’s not yet.”
For Russell, the answer wasn’t quite as definite, but one that suggested he’s still keen to lace up the boots again next season.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play for some really good Gerringong sides and coaches,” Russell said.
“If it’s my time then I’m more than happy to step aside, but I still feel like I’m young enough to contribute to the team.
“You look at the next generation of local juniors like Hayden Buchanan and Wesley Pring coming up, they make me feel young in a certain way.
“I’m still enjoying it every week, so we’ll see how we go come preseason.”
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