Brent Macaffer sits down with Darin Compt to talk Collingwood, flags and local footy

Boom Epping recruit Brent Macaffer sits down with local footy insider Darin Compt to discuss his big off-season move, Collingwood, knees and what the future holds.

Brent Macaffer at Epping's season launch.

From AFL premiership glory to local footy legend.

Epping’s Brent Macaffer sits down the local footy insider Darin Compt.

Brent Macaffer’s journey from Gippsland junior to Collingwood premiership hero and local footy icon is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game.

Meeting with him, it’s clear that football is deeply ingrained in his DNA, a passion that continues to burn brightly at 37.

Macaffer’s story begins in Kilcunda, through Gippsland under-18s, culminating in being drafted by Collingwood in 2006.

At 21, he debuted, going on to play a crucial role in the Magpies’ 2010 premiership and after 77 AFL games, Collingwood life membership in 2019 and two VFL best-and-fairest awards he solidified his legacy.

His post-AFL career has been equally remarkable.

A stint at Eltham saw him win a Northern Division 2 league best-and-fairest, followed by a West Gippsland league premiership at Tooradin-Dalmore.

He was named in the best 20 times in 35 games – he jokingly admits to a few off games.

Last season, he continued to impress at Old Eltham Turtles, with 14 best performances in 17 games and a Division 3 league medal and Coaches’ MVP double.

His physical condition remains exceptional, a testament to his dedication.

Our conversation delved into the highs and lows of his career, revealing a man deeply passionate about the sport.

Brent Macaffer in action for Old Eltham Collegians. Picture: Field of View Photography

Brent Macaffer in action for Eltham. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Darin: Premierships are hard to get at AFL level, walk me through that day.

Brent: I am lucky as I got to play in two grand finals in seven days after the draw. We thought after the siren there would be extra-time. We really didn’t know what was going on and I had a music festival the next week so I was like “oh no”. But the next week was calmer with no parade and more of a focus. We thought we were the best team for the last 10 weeks of that year and let’s get back and win it. It was incredible. We have a reunion every year on the first Sunday of December and love it.

DC: Did you feel you played the game out before hand as so many people say?

BM: Not really. The second week was better. It was just mayhem and we enjoyed every minute of it.

DC: Has football exceeded what you expected? Your mum said there was never a Plan B, it was AFL or bust.

BM: I used to make my own little goals from sticks and play in our backyard and I would write down stats, scores and play in the rain until I was yelled at to get inside. Sport was just my life. I would check the footy fixture and play those games and write the scores down just kicking the ball on my own. If I was on my own and inside the house, I would blow up a balloon and take screamers on the couch and play in the hallway using the doors as goals. It was everything to me. I didn’t think I would get drafted, if Collingwood had have taken Ben Cousins (in 2009) I would have got the chop and then 12 months later I am playing in a premiership. Amazing. Yes, it has exceeded my expectations and it’s why I still play.

Brent Macaffer gets his kick away under pressure from Brendon Goddard.

DC: Do you ever play with or hold your premiership medal?

BM: Honestly, I don’t. I thought my mum had it but Tasmin (wife) has put it away.

DC: What was your favourite ground you have ever played on?

BM: Marvel is amazing, rain hail or shine the atmosphere is great and the crowd is close. Epping is my favourite local ground for sure. Adelaide was also amazing. It feels like there is double the amount of people in there. Amazing.

DC: We first met at a game against Mernda, you were around 40 points down at half-time on a questionable surface that both sides has to deal with. I thought you turned that game on its head to win an unwinnable game after not doing much for the first half.

BM: My first half wasn’t good. Mernda jumped us and luckily I found my feet in the second half. I am glad you missed the first. Hahaha!

DC: Tell me about the dark days of the knee injury. How dark did it get?

BM: I have had two knees injuries. I am not afraid to say I had dark days coming back from the first ACL and missed two years of footy. My good mate at Collingwood John

McCarthy went to Port Adelaide and in a tragic accident lost his life and I’m not embarrassed to say I went through some dark times and I was struggling. Footy, sport, family and friends helps you get through that and thankfully I did. If you need help you just have to speak up. Its OK, people want to help.

Xavier Dimasi, Brent Macaffer and Riley Loton tied for the NFL Division 2 league best-and-fairest award in 2019. Picture: Northern Football League

DC: How young are these three kiddies of yours, Sahara, Mila & Koa.

BM: They’re nine, seven and five and they keep me on my toes. Sahara is into soccer, Mila is gymnastics and Koa is about to start Auskick. I’m daddy daycare whilst Tasmin is away at the moment. Love it.

DC: What’s left for you to achieve in footy?

BM: I hope there are a few seasons and flags, I still love it and love competing for flags. I still enjoy it and will until I can’t.

DC: Who is your main man at Epping?

BM: Mitch Henwood. As a competitor last year he tagged me in the final and before the first bounce I went to shake his hand and he put his fist right though my chest and I since learnt he was allowed to give away four free-kicks a quarter against me but you know what, he was the first one to reach out to me to get me over and welcome me to the club.

DC: Why did you head to Epping from the Turtles?

BM: Well it is one of my favourite grounds in local footy and a lot of my mates from the Turtles were leaving and I want to play finals and win another premiership and I’m not getting any younger. I spoke with a few clubs and they were the best fit for me, so I’m excited.

DC: I predicted Epping to finish third this year, based upon you arriving. Big year ahead?

BM: I hope so. Fitzroy Stars have so much talent. Jai Burns, Neville Jetta and Kain Proctor, they’re the benchmark and I feel Laurimar is not being spoken enough about. Flying

under the radar.

DC: What do you do for a living?

BM: I am in the security sector. Project manage construction security and been in that for four years and love it. Everyone talks footy. Its great.

DC: What does Brent Macaffer do after the boots are hung up. Is coaching on the list?

BM: Yes my wife will push me in to it because she knows I’ll go stir crazy without it, 100 per cent. Local footy has made me love the game even more. Yep, 100 per cent.