Former Hawks bring 464 games of AFL experience to Marcellin outfit

You don’t find too many local footy teams with resumes as good as the Marcellin over 35’s team. Here’s the pedigree of AFL/VFL stars to have donned the jersey.

The rich history of Marcellin’s Masters team began from the very beginning in 2001 when Murray Browne, the brother of current Collingwood president Jeff Browne, coached the inaugural side.

Browne was a Collingwood footballer who played 47 games for the club through the 80s before finishing his career with Fitzroy in his last season.

Under Browne the Masters didn’t lose a game in their first season.

They were then promoted to the second highest division and still maintained the winning streak in their second season.

They played in the top division in their third season as the promotion trend continued.

The win streak ended immediately however when they were beaten in the season opener.

Rumours emerged that Browne was reportedly sacked after his first loss as coach despite the success he had in his first two seasons.

Fast forward 15 years and the Masters side has had Keith Greig, a two-time Brownlow medallist and Peter Hudson, a four-time Coleman medallist involved.

Current Masters’ player-coach, Bernie Dinneen, recalls the moment when both of them were in the changeroom supporting the team.

“Having Keith and Peter Hudson in the room cheering you on, two legends of the game, is a bit of a pinch yourself moment,” Dinneen said.

“It’s been fun.”

Hudson was coaching the team at the time and Greig was supporting.

Both had won a premiership with their respective VFL clubs in the 70s.

Greig won it in 1975 while captain of North Melbourne and Hudson achieved the feat for Hawthorn in a Coleman medal winning season in 1971.

Hawthorn's Paul Hudson with his father Peter Hudson in April 1991. The pair have both been involved with the Marcellin Masters team. Neg: 910407/160

There is no doubt that the Marcellin Masters team has been spoiled with AFL legends.

Dinneen, who won three league medals and premierships for Marcellin, has enjoyed the experience.

“There would be easily 20 plus blokes that are ex-league footballers that have rolled through and played a few games,” Dinneen said.

“It’s a nice experience to play with those guys and to be able to say I played a game with Ronnie Burns, Darren Glass, Adem Yze.

“Paul Hudson is always the big one for me. I think people often underestimate just how good he was.”

Hudson, the son of Peter Hudson, kicked 479 goals in his 245 games across Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs.

In just his second AFL season, he won a premiership with Hawthorn and came fifth in the Brownlow Medal.

Hudson played in the Marcellin Masters team for 10 years.

In that time, he won a Masters premiership in 2017 alongside former AFL players Mark Graham, Joel Smith, Paul DiMattina and Daniel Harford who is the senior coach of the Carlton AFLW side.

Two-time All-Australian Joel Smith in action in the Masters over 35's competition for Marcellin. Picture: Supplied

Many of the former AFL/VFL footballers have joined the team through their connection with Marcellin president Bernie Crimmins who was the Hawthorn club doctor for 15 years.

Hawthorn premiership star Shane Crawford featured in the team while another 300-gamer and premiership player in Paul Salmon has also stepped afield.

Richard Taylor, Kris Barlow and Richie Vandenberg have also whipped on the boots. All names to have played more than 100 games for Hawthorn.

Now in 2022, the Marcellin Masters have two former Hawthorn 200 gamers in Mark Graham and Joel Smith playing in the side.

Smith has played in three matches this season at age 45. He even had a best on ground performance against St Kevins in round two on June 4.

Graham has also played in three matches this season at age 49 and been a stronghold down back.

Hawthorn 200 gamer Mark Graham in action against the other Marcellin over 35’s team. Picture: Supplied.

Dinneen said the Masters was a great opportunity for players to stay connected with their local clubs and maintain friendships.

“I think the biggest thing that you get out of footy is those connections and friendships,” Dinneen said.

“I think continuing those for guys who are north of 35 is a really good thing so from that point of view, I hope a few of the other clubs start to jump on board and realise that it’s going to keep some of their older guys connected with the club.”

Marcellin now have two teams in the VAFA Masters competition which is exclusively for anyone over the age of 35.

The five teams in the competition, St Kevins, De La Salle, Oakleigh, Marcellin Bald Eagles Blue and Maroon, play in matches every fortnight.