It’s a big night for Geelong, as they celebrate two true champions of the club playing milestone matches. As Corey Enright and Jimmy Bartel step onto Kardinia Park for their 326th and 300th games respectively, we are afforded the opportunity to say thanks.
Enright passes Ian Nankervis’ longstanding record to stand alone as Geelong’s games record holder.
Plucked from relative obscurity by the Cats in the 1999 draft at pick 47, Enright making it to Geelong remains something of folklore. As the story goes, Geelong’s recruiting manager Stephen Wells spotted Enright playing for the Kimba Tigers in the Eastern Eyre Football League, immediately felt that the kid was something special, and then proceeded to do everything in his power to hide Enright from recruiters in South Australia.
Enright’s uncanny ability to read the play, find time when there appears to be none, and decision-making under pressure has characterised his time at Geelong.
But what makes Enright a great of the game is his consistency – he goes about his task each week with minimum fanfare, yet is rarely beaten. He has won Geelong’s best and fairest award twice, both in Geelong premiership years, underlining his value to the club.
It is arguable that Enright now stands alongside Matthew Scarlett as the Cats’ most important defender over the last 15 years; an immeasurable accolade.
Bartel arrived at the Cattery with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, as Geelong’s first round pick (number 8 in the 2001 national draft). Similar to Enright, he doesn’t crave the limelight, and seems content to let his footy do the talking. And it speaks volumes.
Bartel is a tough, uncompromising footballer. Never are Jimmy’s skills more on display than in the wet, wearing his long sleeves, crashing into pack after pack, looking for an inch of territory to help his teammates.
Add his unquenchable thirst for a contest with skills on both sides of his body, strong goal sense, a Brownlow Medal, and a Norm Smith Medal, and you have a special player.
To these two unassuming heroes, thank you for 626 matches of dedication, countless acts of bravery, and wearing the blue and white hoops with distinction.
But most importantly, thank you for helping Geelong break its 44-year premiership drought.
For that, and so much more, we salute you.
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