O’Loughlin to play in Wagga

By James Matthey

Footy fans in Wagga will be counting down the sleeps until former Sydney Swans superstar Michael O’Loughlin laces up the boots and runs onto Robertson Oval for one of his final AFL appearances.

The Swans premiership player will don the Marrar jersey on Friday April 19 after agreeing in February to make a cameo appearance for the Bombers.

The 303-game AFL veteran told The Daily Advertiser he was looking forward to the night and assured fans he would come prepared for the clash.

“I don’t play as much as I’d like to anymore but I feel fit and I’m looking forward to playing a competitive game in Wagga,” said O’Loughlin.

“I’ve been out of the game for four years and only played two games of competitive football, but it’s been good to let my body freshen up.

“My body is in OK nick … I train every week with University of NSW.”

O’Loughlin scored 521 goals in his 15-year career with the Sydney Swans, and was rewarded with All-Australian selection in 1997 and 2000.

Since hanging up the boots, O Loughlin has been a strong advocate for Indigenous Australian communities, launching the Goodes O’Loughlin Foundation in 2009 with former Swans teammate Adam Goodes.

Marrar president Brendan Pattison was thrilled at the prospect of having a player of O’Loughlin’s prestige join the club, and said it would be a great boost for the local football community.

“It’s a great thing for the club and a great thing for local football to have someone like Michael O’Loughlin come down here,” said Pattison.

“To have him run on the newly developed complex at Robertson Oval is going to be a great promotion for local football, the venue and everything else.

“It’s a big win for everyone locally.

“It’s more about raising the profile of the Farrer League in general because it’s a great competition.

“It’s going to be good for the league and good for country football in general.”

O’Loughlin’s influence won’t be limited to on-field action though, with Marrar hosting a sportsman’s night after the match at Robertson Oval.

Pattison said the event would provide a great opportunity for O’Loughlin to share his thoughts and stories with an appreciative crowd.

“It should be a good night and a good social evening,” Pattison said.

“We’re looking forward to hearing some of Mick’s stories and his experiences through his footy career.

“It will be interesting to hear where he came from and how he came to where he is now.”

He will also hold an autograph signing session for kids at Bolton Park before the game.

O’Loughlin won’t be the only drawcard in the Riverina that weekend, with more ex-AFL talent making their way to Wagga in what will be an exciting spectacle in the region.

Geelong premiership star Cameron Mooney is hopeful of returning to his junior club, Turvey Park, for a one-off appearance against the Wagga Tigers on April 20, while former Carlton and Brisbane Lions spearhead Brendan Fevola will line up for Griffith on the Sunday.

Michael O’Loughlin sportsman’s night

When: Friday April 19, 9:00pm
Where: Robertson Oval
Tickets: purchased from AFL House Wagga, GJ Hulm or at the gate
Ticket prices: $30 (pre-sale) or $40 (at the gate)

Tickets include entry to the Anzac Challenge and the sportsman’s night.