Northcote Park’s Matt, Jordan and Lucas Perry played together for the first time

It was a special moment for the Perry family and Northcote Park on Saturday as three brothers – Matt, Jordan and Lucas – ran out together for the first time.

Perry brothers (from left) Jordan, Matt and Lucas.

It was a special day for Northcote Park last Saturday as one of the club’s famous families came together.

Perry brothers, Matt, Jordan and Lucas, ran out together for the first time against Montmorency, etching another chapter in the family legacy.

Father Kevin Perry was a Cougars DVFL/NFL premiership player and assistant coach.

A club social media post said it was a milestone 20 years in the making.

Matt is Northcote Park vice-captain, while Jordan – returning to the club – and Lucas crossed from Old Marcellin this season to play together.

“We’ve all played with each other individually but never together,” Matt said.

“It was a cool experience, it wasn’t the result we wanted but nonetheless it was good fun.”

Jordan added: “Matt was still here and Lucas and I had a go at another team but I thought I’m getting on in age, I’m not as young and spritely as I used to be, so we thought we better get it done.

“It’s been something in the back of our minds, that it would be cool to experience, and we’re happy that we made it happen.”

The season opener also marked Lucas’ senior Cougars debut.

“I had a little pinch-me moment on Saturday pulling on the jumper for the first time, it was really special,” he said.

Unfortunately, the match didn’t go as planned – inaccuracy in front of goal allowing Montmorency to run away with a big win.

Individually it was a tough day too as Matt played through knee and ankle complaints and Lucas was left dazed after a nasty clash with Magpies star Jesse Donaldson.

Perry brothers (from left) Jordan, Matt and Lucas.

Both are expected to face North Heidelberg in Round 2 but Donaldson wasn’t as lucky.

“I’m OK, I was talking to Jesse on Saturday night saying I fell pretty bad that all I’ve walked away with was an egg on my head and he’s going in for scans with a broken face,” Lucas said.

“As we both said ‘that’s footy’.”

The Cougars endured a winless 2021 campaign but have recruited strongly over summer to enhance their survival chances.

Jordan and Lucas have been joined by Matt D’Angelo, Jordan Schroder and Alex Boyse, who all impressed in Round 1.

As for the future, the three brothers are determined to join their old man on the clubroom walls at Bill Lawry Oval.

“We grew up running around Bill Lawry Oval and played all our junior footy at Northcote,” Matt said.

“It means a hell of a lot to us to be back here playing in the same team together and try to make our own success and not ride on the coat tails of the old man.”

Jordan said he was keen to continue the family legacy.

“The old man has been around the club for 20-plus years and there’s a lot of famous families and names that have gone through Northcote Park,” he said.

“We want to continue on that legacy, we’ve all had some personal accolades, but now it’s trying to get that team success that you play for.

“I know there’s some 20-year and 10-year reunions this year, so that’s something that drives us.”

Lucas said earning respect back this season and hearing some old war stories was the motivation.

DIV 1: LIN JONG’S CLASSIC WELCOME TO LOCAL FOOTY

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

ROUND 1: HOW MONTY’S BIG FOUR FARED ON DEBUT

“It’s about earning the respect back in the Northern Football League, we’ve been down the last couple of years, but our goal is to stay in Div 1 and challenge teams,” he said.

“The earliest memories I have of football is running around here.

“Unfortunately I didn’t get to see the old man but I’ve heard a lot about him – mainly from himself and other people.”

The Cougars will look to open their account on Saturday night when they host North Heidelberg in a night match at Bill Lawry Oval.