Jimmy Martiniello to play game 200 for Benalla

A country footy premiership captain will bring up a milestone as his club chases their first win this season. Find out why he is the lifeblood of the club.

There is plenty of motivation for the Benalla Saints to win their first game this season on Saturday and celebrate a special milestone for the “heart and soul” of their club at the same time.

Former coach and premiership captain James Martiniello will celebrate his 200th senior game when the team faces Shepparton United at home in the Goulburn Valley league.

Martiniello, with the milestone, will add another chapter to the incredible legacy his family has provided to the club for many decades.

Playing for the club his whole career, he will follow in his father’s footsteps of playing more than 200 games for the Saints.

James Martiniello in the 2015 grand final. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

John Martiniello is the games record holder for the club with 370 matches.

“I’ve been part of the club since I remembered,” Jimmy said.

“Going with my father to training nights and following them (the club and him) every Saturday.

“I fell in love with the club as a young man and I’ve spent most of my life down there.

“It’s become family down there now (to me).”

In a career spanning more than a decade, Jimmy has achieved it all, winning the 2015 premiership and playing his part in the flag, which was the club’s first in 42 years.

Described by his brother as a tough inside midfielder, he’s been part of the engine room for the club in the good times and bad times recently.

James Martiniello getting tackled in the 2015 grand final. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

In 2019 when the club needed him, he also coached the Saints.

Benalla has a special place in Jimmy’s heart.

“It means the world to me (the club),” he said.

“I’ve been going down there for 30 years. I’ve made a lot of great friends there.

“My partner is heavily involved there and my kids are now getting involved down there.

“I’ve made a lot of great friendships and great relationships with the football club bringing us together.”

Jimmy started in the hope of getting to his father’s record but admits it probably won’t happen.

He’s keen to keep playing as long as he can.

“There’s no real end game,” Jimmy said.

“I still enjoy play footy as much as I do at 36 than when I was 15.

“As long as the enjoyment is there I have no plans to stop.

“I’ll play until I can’t.”

One thing is certain, during and after his playing career, he’ll fight to keep the club alive.

Last year the club struggled with numbers and just got through the season.

This year the club was impacted in the off-season by weather causing damage to the club grounds.

The team has not won a match this season but has recruited well, looking to bounce back and make finals.

He’s adamant the current football system in the town doesn’t work and can’t continue like this.

“The Benalla community feeds at least four different clubs and the numbers of players participating in football these days is not sustainable to be able to support these numbers,” Jimmy revealed.

“Something's got to give.”

The midfielder doesn’t know what the solution is but he knows more players are needed in the area to play.

Jimmy’s fight for the club isn’t a surprise to his co-coach and brother, Will Martiniello, and vice president of the club, Drew Morrison.

Morrison said Jimmy is one of those players at the club who is well respected by everyone.

“He is just one of those soul of the earth guys, backbone of the club, one of our most loyal players,” he said.

“He’s just a wonderful human being, does everything for everyone, gets around the young kids at the club and makes them feel welcome.

“He’s one of those guys you just love having around.”

Will won’t be able to play with his brother as he is out with an injury.

It won’t stop him from enjoying the day in the coaches box.

“He’s someone I look up to the way he plays the game and I model my game off him as well,” Will said.

“He’s unlucky not to win a best and fairest along the way.

“I wish him all the best.”

The coach said the Saints should be able to raise their game to honour the club legend.

The showed signs last week against Mansfield the team is heading on the right track.

After a first half going goal for goal with the Eagles the team fell away with injuries taking their toll.

The Saints lost by 55-points with no bench for the final term.

Now the side feels it is capable of getting their first win, despite still having injuries.

Former North Melbourne and Carlton forward Jarrad Waite returns from a calf injury he suffered in round one with captain Christopher Welsh returning after missing last week.

The team is still without eight to 10 players for the clash.

“It’s a very winnable game (this week) to kick our season off,” Will said.

“For everything he (Jimmy) has given to the club, he would really enjoy this one to finish the game with four points.

“To celebrate with a beer upstairs it is something we’ll be pushing for.

“Our target will be playing four consistent quarters (and win for him).”

The game starts at 2pm.