Tatura Bulldogs player Linc Wellington becomes games record holder

A club legend and multiple premiership winner at the Tatura Bulldogs celebrates his second milestone moment in as many weeks.

Tatura Bulldogs president James Pyke says what veteran Linc Wellington achieved on the weekend may never happen again at the club — or at least take 50 years to be beaten.

Wellington broke the clubs games record playing game number 301, in the team’s 119-point loss to Rochester in the Goulburn Valley Football League.

The previous week he brought up game number 300 against Echuca before this week’s record breaking game.

Wellington’s feat broke the 46-year record held by Freddo McMahon since 1976, who was the first Bulldog in its rich 128-year history to reach 300 seniors games.

“I haven’t really thought about the record,” Wellington said.

“Freddo is floating around and says ‘G’day’ and watches training when he can.

“I’m sure it will be something I reflect on in later years.”

Wellington didn’t talk to Freddo about the record but did reflect with him about both being in the 300 club at Tatura.

“I caught up with him the week before and said: ‘I’m in pretty good company’,” he said.

“300 is nice to achieve at the one club.

“No doubt I’ll see him around and we’ll talk about it (the record).”

Wellington admits he may not be adding many more games to his tally before retires.

The 43-year-old has plans next year which will put him on the sidelines for most of the year.

“We’re going away travelling around Australia next year, going in around June, so if I happen to get the urge to play, it will be early in the year,” Wellington said.

“But I think my time is coming to an end.

“I’m feeling it more than I have ever had but I’m not sure whether it is with Covid and the lack of matches in previous years.

“I always hated byes and the breaks from footy.

“But I also know this year I’ve noticed I’m slowing.”

If Wellington does retire he’ll end his career as not only a Tatura Bulldogs great but one of the best in the Goulburn Valley Football League.

He’s won two premierships, in 2003 and 2012, while also being a best and fairest at the club four times.

“2012 was the one that was pretty special,” he said.

“In 2003 I was at the club for two years and we had a great time (playing) and had a great side.

“But in 2012 I was there for 10 or 11 years, we’d also put in the hard yards.

“I was also captain in 2012, which is something I hold pretty dearly, being captain of a premiership team.”

Wellington said the volunteers and the people of the club made it a special place to be.

“My family helps out heaps to keep my playing, my three kids and wife,” he said.

“Without them I wouldn’t play for as long as I’ve played.

“My mum has also been there through my whole footy.”

Pyke said he couldn’t have thought of a better person to break the record than Wellington.

“He’s been massive, he’s coached us, he’s captained us, won best and fairests,” the president said.

“He’s a very humble fella and the person every footy club wants to have.”

Pyke added he probably would have retired a little while ago if the club didn’t need him to play to make sure it had numbers every week.

“We been pretty proud that we haven’t been able to forfeit in any grades of football or netball,” he said,

“The Tatura Football Netball Club and community would like to thank Linc for continuing on and playing for us.

“He’s done everything, he could have hung up the boots and put his time in to golf a long time ago.”

Tatura will finish their season in the seniors with games against the Shepparton Swans, Seymour and Mansfield in the final three rounds.