SFNL: Highett names Team of the Decade for 2000-2009

Highett had a specific selection criteria when it named its Team of the Decade, with an aim to reward those who left a footprint behind. Selector Daniel Booth explains how they picked the side.

Highett celebrate its 2004 premiership against Springvale Districts.

Highett stalwart Daniel Booth said the Bulldogs wanted to celebrate a group of “Highett men” when they named their inaugural Team of the Decade on Saturday.

As it gears up for its centenary year in 2029, Highett aimed to reward those who have left an indelible footprint on the club.

That approach went into the selection process too, as the Bulldogs shifted their criteria from ability to impact.

“We got together and decided we didn’t want the best out and out team, there was a criteria that they had to match,” Booth said.

“It was a three-season minimum, longevity was picked before a premium footballer and the footprint they left behind as well.

“There’s a few that won a best and fairests in that decade but were only at the club for one year, so we left them out.

“It wasn’t the out and out best side for that decade, it was based around that, but it wasn’t the be all and end all.”

Booth said selection criteria was justified by the appreciation shown by those recognised.

“We saw the mark of it when there were tears for how much it meant to the blokes getting up,” he said.

“We wanted that impact rather than the blokes who won best and fairests but haven’t spoken to the club since and wouldn’t have come to the function.

“There were a few factors that made these guys Highett men.”

The “Highett men”.

Highett celebrate its 2004 premiership against Springvale Districts.

Booth, standing far right of the 2004 premiership picture, was quick to jump at carrying water, fixing the scoreboard or working the canteen during this period.

He couldn’t go past a pair of Southern league greats when asked for his favourites between 1999-2009.

“I would have to say Matty Sheahan or Pete Poelsma,” he said.

“Matty Sheahan, I think he was a four-time best and fairest and was just silky.

“Then Pete Poelsma was just a freak, I think he only won one best and fairest but he won two flags across a couple of decades.

“Watching that grand final, it was a wet day, but he was taking hangers, sitting on heads, taking it in his hands.

“I was lucky enough to play with him as well and I don’t think there would be many people that would say they haven’t seen Pete Poelsma dominate a game of footy.

“From what I have seen, it would be those two.”

The Bulldogs’ best from 2000-2009.

Maurice Chivers (left) was a player in the 1940s and was awarded life membership in the 1960s.

One attendee of the function was 92-year-old life member Maurice Chivers.

He didn’t make the 2000 to 2009 Team of the Decade but he will be a lock for a Team of the Century if the Bulldogs are to name one in 2029.

Chivers made the trip from country Victoria via his son who came down from Canberra.

“He was actually a player in the 40s, he came down for the day and had a chat to everyone, that was absolutely awesome,” Booth said.

“A 92-year-old who is a life member, his parents are life members as well, it was pretty cool.

“He’s been there from pretty much the get-go.”