Hurstbridge star Daniel Keenan set to extend NFL record-breaking career
Northern Football League games record holder, Hurstbridge’s Daniel Keenan, won’t let a cancelled season end his remarkable career as he prepares to play on in 2021.
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The distinguished career of Northern Football League games record holder Daniel Keenan couldn’t end in a cancelled season.
So the Hurstbridge and Montmorency great is set to play on in 2021 and add to his remarkable 402 senior games.
Keenan will be 39 years old and entering his 24th campaign when next season kicks off but he is showing no signs of slowing down.
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“That would suck (retiring in a cancelled season),” he said.
“I felt pretty good during the pre-season, we got one practice match in, and I actually felt pretty good and pulled up surprisingly well too.
“To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about when the time is to give it away.
“I certainly know I don’t want to say last year was my end the way this year has panned out being cancelled.”
In an extraordinary feat of durability, the two-time Division 1 Rosbrook Medallist hasn’t missed a game in more than a decade.
Keenan played all 18 games for the Bridges last season as he broke through the 400-game barrier in Round 16.
“I carried a bit of a niggle in the back half of last season but it was nothing major, I’ve been pretty lucky with injuries,” he said.
“I still train, still run as much as I can and have my gym set up at home.
Despite the loss of football, family has helped fill the void during the lockdown.
“I’ve been working on the house renovations that I’m slowly trying to get through,” he said.
“There’s more time with the family, although they like coming to he football, especially my son.”
“I work from home, so it’s a small little bubble with my wife working from home as well and the three kids home schooling.
“We try to get out every day and do something, whether we go for a bike ride or get down the local footy oval.”
There were promising signs at Ben Frilay Oval last season with six wins and an eighth-placed finish.
Senior coach Jarrod Tilley has re-signed as have captain Lachlan East and spearhead Cameron Cloke.
Keenan sees plenty of promise at the club.
“As a group, it’s good fun to be around, good to be a part of, and makes you feel younger,” he said.