BEYOND THE BOUNDARY PODCAST – NATHAN DEANS
Nathan Deans will tomorrow become the second GFNL star in as many weeks to reach the 200 senior game milestone.
And he will do so as one of the most respected members of the competition.
Despite standing only 167cm tall, the man universally known as ‘Speedy’ has been a towering presence at Grovedale since making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2010.
A Mathieson medallist in 2016, runner-up to Matt McMahon the following year, multiple GFNL Team of the Year selection, and GFNL interleague representative, it’s a career that puts him among the greatest at Burdoo Reserve.
Deans also featured in the Tigers’ lone grand final appearance under Grant Tanner in 2013, and the run to a preliminary final in 2016, sparked by a teenage talent by the name of Gryan Miers.
“When I started out… we were certainly down the bottom of the table,” Deans told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
“But yeah, ‘GT’ (Tanner) came in and got the ball rolling with flushing out a few people from the club that probably shouldn’t have been there.
“And then obviously getting in the likes of Jarrod Young and obviously ‘Ersk’ (Jordan Erskine) and those boys.
“And then from there, we were able to pick up quite a good crop and be a quite competitive side for the next three to four years.
“Since then, it hasn’t been as successful, but (I’m) glad I was a part of that period.”
Ahead of the clash with Leopold at Burdoo Reserve, Deans revealed he has been the subject of interest from other clubs in the region.
However, his unwavering loyalty means he’s never seriously considered external officers.
“I think everybody in the league has those phone calls and whatnot,” he said,
“Geelong’s such a small place that everybody knows everyone. But I’ve never really (been) interested in any of them.
“I love the people at the club. It’s one of those things where… you rock up and you have a bit of a laugh.
“And yes, obviously, the form and the way you play, and that can be disappointing when you have quite a few losses.
“It’s just one of those things that I’ve really enjoyed the club and the people at the club.
“It’s hard to leave that.”
Grovedale will welcome back co-captain Rory Quinn and forward Leigh Ellis for the clash with the Lions.
Sam Adams has been recalled from the reserves.
Joel Martyn, Tom De Goldi and Liam Jardine have been omitted.
Leopold will be without star midfielder Logan Wagener (illness), but will get back high-flying defender Harris Jennings and veteran Andrew Pepper.
St Mary’s will be strengthened by the return of Ryan Pendlebury and Michael Rudd for its blockbuster clash with South Barwon at Anthony Costa Oval.
Pendlebury returns from suspension, with Rudd recovering from a calf complaint. Nick Dowling has been recalled from the reserves.
Reliable defender Charlie Lang is unavailable. Jordy Robertson and Harry Segrave return to the reserves.
The Swans welcome back the star defensive duo of Jack Driver and Rowan Gough. However, talented Port Fairy recruit Oscar Pollock returns to Geelong’s VFL team.
It is understood South Barwon has late calls to make on the fitness of at least two players tomorrow morning.
Finals-bound Newtown & Chilwell will unveil talented youngster Alfie Wojcinski among two changes for its meeting with St Albans at Concept Oval.
The son of Geelong premiership speedster David, Wojcinski will play as a pressure forward.
The Eagles welcome back Charlie Harris, but have lost Cats VFL-listed Felix Katsaros (ankle) and Jesse Colville (broken hand).
The Supersaints will be without star midfielder Sam Donegan, who returns to VFL club Northern Bullants for their final games of the season.
Cody Brogden (knee) and Jordy Lyons (illness) are also missing.
They’ve been replaced by the returning Bailey Coutts and Koby Harris, as well as Kade Parish, who has been recalled from the under-18s.
Playing coach Seb Ross will return as Colac plays its final match of the season at Central Reserve, against Geelong West.
The Tigers have also included Darcy Howard.
Josh Garner hasn’t overcome an ankle injury, with Josh McDonald returning to the reserves.
The Giants will be without Tom Handley, who returns to Geelong Falcons action, and Tanner Lewis, among four changes.
Under-18 player Jack Devlin has been named to make his debut.
Bell Park will manage Jett Bermingham, Mitch Mahady and Nick Petering for its clash with North Shore at Windsor Park.
Fred Lucas will return to the Geelong Falcons.
Rhys McWaters and Finn Hoey return, with Charlie Trezise and Dom Demirovic to make their debuts.
St Joseph’s has named debutant Pep Posterino for its meeting with Lara at Lara Recreation Reserve.
Joel O’Dwyer will play his first game since the Round 3 win over Bell Park, with Josh Nurnaitis, Caleb Foster, and Jai Adams recalled from the reserves.
Captain Al Hickey, Luke Webb and Liam Betson are being managed, Joey Chaplin is unavailable, and Felix Henderson has been omitted.
X: @krockfootball
