EDFL: Adam Iacobucci plays 500th career game for Strathmore

A Strathmore star will another reach another milestone in his storeyed career this weekend as he aims for a third premiership with his junior club.

Try to name Strathmore’s most important figures of the last 20 years and you’d probably find Adam Iacobucci near the top of the list.

Iacobucci has been one of the Essendon District league club’s greatest success stories and this weekend will celebrate his 500th career game.

His journey to the milestone started in the under 10s at Strathmore and now he’s preparing for game 221 in the famous jumper.

Since first pulling on the boots, Iacobucci has gone onto play four AFL games with Collingwood after being drafted in 2004.

Once his time at the top level was up, he became part of the furniture at the Northern Bullants where he captained the VFL club for four seasons.

Adam Iacobucci celebrates a goal with a teammate. Picture: Hamish Blair

When it came time to return to local level, he went onto win five club best and fairests and win two premierships.

He’s managed to fit a lot in by the age of 36.

“I didn’t realise I had played so much footy until someone said it the other week,” he said.

“It’s definitely been a lot of fun and I’ve created a lot of memories wherever I’ve gone. It was a privilege to captain a club at VFL level.

“We played in two grand finals during my time there but unfortunately we lost both of those. I’ve been fortunate to play with some great players during my career.

“I’ve been at Strathmore for more than 10 years now and it’s been fantastic. Time just goes by so quickly.

“Footy has been a massive part of my life.”

Adam Iacobucci during his time with the Northern Bullants.

Strathmore remains in the hunt for back-to-back premierships, still holding the crown of reigning premier, following the 2019 success.

The Mores sit third on the ladder with two games remaining in the Premier Division season.

But even if they don’t earn a double chance they’ve proven their best is good enough this season.

“It would be amazing to come away with a premiership especially after the last couple of years,” Iacobucci said.

“We obviously lost the entire season in 2020 and then only got through half a season last year. You see all the hard work that had gone in and it felt like it was almost for nothing.

“The group came back together again to try and get success but there’s still a lot to play out.

“It’s really exciting for the competition just how close it will be come finals.”

Mick Malthouse talks with Adam Iacobucci.

Since he made the decision to return to local footy with his junior club, Strathmore has missed the finals on just three occasions including once on percentage.

Iacobucci credited the club’s junior program for the sustained success at Lebanon Reserve.

“The growth has come from the guys coming through,” he said.

“I remember watching the boys run around in the under 18s a few years ago and now they’re terrific senior footballers.

“Seeing them develop up close has been great to watch because they’ve helped the club stay around the mark.

“Some games we’ve played with 22 points, that’s remarkable when you think about it.”

Strathmore will look to stay in the hunt for a double chance when it hosts Maribyrnong Park on Saturday.

Keilor remains half a game clear of the Mores in the race for the top-two.