Barunga School principal believed to be oldest player in a registered match in the NT

A REMOTE school principal is believed to be the oldest player to take the field in a registered league match in the NT

THE principal of a remote school is believed to be the oldest player to take the field in a registered league match in the Territory.

Barunga School principal Malcolm Hales, 64, recently fronted up for the Arnhem Crows men’s team in a Big Rivers Football League (BRFL) match in Katherine.

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Mr Hales donned the boots after the Crows needed 16 players to field a team. He stepped up after the Crows had a challenging season and struggled to field a team towards the end of the season.

“In the second last match the bare minimum took the field. I suggested to the coach if they were to be short for the final game I would be happy to step in for the game to go ahead,” he said.

Ngukurr Bulldog veteran Keith Rogers and Malcolm Hales. Picture: SUPPLIED

“I had a ball. For an old footballer to play in a match, for points, was most exhilarating. The Barunga supporters and ladies’ team was my very own cheer squad.

“Despite getting a good dose of sunburn, I pulled up quite well. I’m not as quick as I used to be but the hamstrings held up okay. I did say to my opponents that I didn’t mind if they tackled me but not to hurt me. All turned out well, they were very kind.”

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While the Arnhem Crows men’s team missed out on this year’s finals, Mr Hales continued to help grow women’s football in Barunga as joint coach of the Crows women’s team, which secured the BRFL premiership in their debut season.

Follow @raphsaroukos