MPFNL: Brad Tagg’s journey to 250 senior games with Edithvale-Aspendale
Brad Tagg joins an elite group of Edithvale-Aspendale players to reach 250 ones games. He reflects on his rollercoaster journey, and names the best he’s played with.
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Brad Tagg’s path to 250 senior games for Edithvale-Aspendale has been filled with highs and lows — a true test of perseverance.
This Saturday, the 33-year-old will reach the significant milestone, entering exclusive company alongside club legends Brett Wright, Butch Dale and Steve Mannix as only the fourth player to achieve 250 games.
“I played a lot of footy with Steve Mannix,” Tagg said.
“Rastus (Wright) coached me in under 18s for a bit. And I see Butch around the club.
“Lot of respect for those boys.”
John Hynes handed a 17-year-old Tagg his senior debut midway through 2009, throwing him into a powerful Eagles outfit that would reach that year’s grand final before falling to Seaford.
Success continued for the talented playmaker, culminating in premiership glory in 2013 and individual recognition with the club’s best and fairest award in 2014.
However, Tagg’s journey wasn’t without challenges — he endured relegation battles and lengthy losing streaks that tested his resolve.
“It’s been fun,” he reflected.
“There were a few years when we got smashed so that was tough going, but it’s good now to have some success.”
Tagg played in Edi-Asp’s MPFNL Division 2 flag last season and is still an important member of the Eagles’ quest for finals in the top flight this year.
“I’m getting a little bit slower but I’m still enjoying it and my body’s still pretty good,’’ he said.
“I’m just enjoying with the young boys now, just watching them come through and teaching them, having a bit of fun on the training track, getting them up and about, a bit of banter between the group. That’s what I like.”
The club has evolved and players have come and gone since Tagg’s debut 16 years ago.
“I’m the last one left I guess,” he said.
Tagg has played with some brilliant teammates and rates Tim Mannix, Michael Bussey and modern-day star Kurt Lo Po as the best.
“Tim…his attack on the ball was phenomenal, he set the game up, didn’t care, just contest to contest,’’ he said.
“And Kurt is the same. Kurt’s a small version of Timmy I reckon, in and under, crash and bash, get the ball out.
“Bussey, he was just a freak, centre half forward, he could run and jump. That’s what we need right now, we need to get him back! Put the ball anywhere near him and he’d fly for it. We had a good connection.”