MPNFL 2021: Pines player Aaron Ludewig to achieve life membership

The Pythons player who kicked the winner after the siren in the 2018 MPNFL grand final is about to notch a special milestone.

Aaron Ludewig kicks the winning point after the siren in the 2018 MPNFL Division 1 grand final, beating Sorrento. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Aaron Ludewig thinks about “that” kick every so often.

With scores tied and the final siren gone in the 2018 MPNFL Division 1 grand final, Ludewig had a set shot from 40 metres.

A packed house of 8000 spectators at Frankston Park held their breath as he fired for goal, needing to score, any score, to win the flag for the Pythons.

It was a point. And it was enough to give Pines their first premiership since 1994.

Ludewig was mobbed by jubilant teammates.

“It’s obviously a very fond memory,” Ludewig said.

Aaron Ludewig is hoisted up by jubilant Pines teammates after the siren in 2018 MPNFL Division 1 grand final Picture: Andy Brownbill

Three years on and the 29-year-old is about to tick off another proud achievement — his 175th game, which makes him a Pines life member.

He reaches the milestone on Saturday, ironically against Sorrento, the team he heaped heartache on in that epic grand final.

Ludewig has been a proud and loyal Pines footballer since starting out in the club’s under-9s.

He’s grown up at the club.

“It’s pretty special,” he said of the 175 game milestone.

“It’s something I always wanted to do. I’ve been trying to get it for the past few years.

“(Coach) Paddy (Swayn) gave me my first senior game too so it will be nice to play it with him as coach.”

Ludewig has overcome personal set backs to enjoy a fine footy career.

Born with Perthes disease, which stops the blood supply to the hip joint, he underwent operations to have bone cut off.

It still affects him; he has sore hips, legs and hamstring injuries.

“I probably really shouldn’t be playing,” he laughed.

“When I played in the flag I played round one (that season) and quit because I just couldn’t sleep and stuff.

“But always in the back of my mind I wanted to get to that 175 (games) but I kept getting injured and it was just getting harder and harder to get up each week for a game but Paddy is good like that he lets me manage myself and my training.

“Without him I definitely wouldn’t have got there.”

Ludewig said he’s been surprised by what he’s achieved in football.

“When I played my first senior game I never thought I’d play in a senior premiership. We weren’t very good at the time,’’ he said.

“To think now I’m going to be a premiership player and a playing life member of the club it’s pretty special.

“I’ve played a lot of footy with some good mates so hopefully I’ll run out with them on Saturday.”

Swayn said Ludewig remained an important member of the Pines side.

“He’s a great, loyal player,” Swayn said.

“He’s still good, especially with the young kids we’ve got, he directs them up, he’s really important.

“He plays half forward and has a good goal sense.”

As for Ludewig’s winning kick in that grand final, Swayn said: “I was right behind it. I always thought he’d score. I was like, ‘alright, hold your breath, he will at least get a point and then we’ll get into it’.”