Former VFL star’s family ‘feud’ with Sharks recruit

He played 200 games at the top level of Aussie rules but one sight his son in a rival team’s jumper - could spark a family ‘feud’.

RETURNING home to be with his family was the biggest motivation for former Carlton player Tom Fields’ signing with the Southport Sharks but he isn’t sure how many games father Neville will attend in 2019.

Fields grew up playing at Labrador where his father Neville coached the Tigers to two GCAFL premierships in 1993 and 1994.

The Sharks were one of Labrador’s biggest rivals at the time and Fields said his father joked he wouldn’t be going near their home ground, Fankhauser Reserve.

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“He threw a bit of banter at me and said he wasn’t sure how many games he would come to watch,” Fields said of Neville, who chalked up 200 VFL games for Essendon and South Melbourne in his own playing career.

Essendon v Carlton. Windy Hill. 1975. Craig Davis and Dean Hartigan lay on the ground stunned as teammates scuffle around them during a brawl. On left: Neville Fields and Rod Ashman.

Tom Fields played for the Tigers in the NEAFL before spending two seasons with South Adelaide in the South Australian Football League where he drew the attention of recruiters.

The 26-year-old was rookie listed by Carlton in 2015 and he played two senior games before being delisted at the end of that year.

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“I knew the AFL system was ruthless going in so I made the most of my time at the Blues,” the 192cm and 91kg halfback said. “I have no regrets and it was good to get a crack at the top level.

“At the time Carlton were turning over half their list and there is no hard feelings. It put me in a better space with footy and off the field.”

Reigning NEAFL premiers Southport Sharks new recruit Tom Fields. Picture: Jerad Williams

Fields said it took just one sit down with Sharks coach Stephen Daniel to convince him to return to Queensland.

“The main contributing factor was family, to be honest,” Fields said.

“I felt I did everything I could in the SANFL and going to Melbourne.

“The opportunity to play at Southport, a really proud and big club on the Gold Coast with an amazing culture, was too good.

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“I had one meeting with Steve and I walked out of it know­ing I was in the right place.

“He is a great person and a great coach. I went on my gut feel and signed within a couple of days.

“My major goal is to win a NEAFL premiership here.”

Fields said the performance of the group during the pre-season so far had made him confident a second flag could be on its way.

“The club is in a good space,” Fields said.

“They have good depth, especially through the midfield. But the best thing is the culture and the standards that have been set by the club.”