A MAN who is arguably one of Beechworth’s greatest sportsmen will reach a significant milestone for the Bushrangers on Saturday.
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The opening siren against Kiewa-Sandy Creek will mark Brenton Surrey’s 200th senior game for Beechworth, with the long-time clubman being praised for his efforts.
Beechworth club president Steve Collins said the club had been lucky to retain the services of Surrey for so many years.
“I think it’s outstanding that he’s remained in Beechworth for so long, we’re a lucky club,” Collins said.
“He’s had opportunities to play Ovens and Murray football, and he’s certainly a player capable of doing so, but he’s chosen to remain here.
“He’s a clubman at heart and we thank him for that.”
Surrey’s milestone match coincides with a motor neurone disease fundraiser run by the club.
The fundraiser will include an ice bucket challenge at half-time, as well as a casserole dinner, raffle and auction after the game.
Collins said Surrey’s efforts to help Brendan Halliday and his family, the man for whom the fundraiser was organised, would make the day all the more special for the club.
“Brenton put in a lot of voluntary work in and around the Halliday household, in terms of helping make various parts of the house more accessible.
“I think it’s great that two special occasions for our club can share the same date.”
With many around the club looking to make Saturday a special day off the field, coach Nic Barnes is concentrating on getting the four points against Kiewa-Sandy Creek to ice the cake.
“We’ve just got to back ourselves,” Barnes said.
“It’s a massive challenge, we’ve been able to pick up some good wins early in the season so hopefully we can carry some momentum into this one.
“We’ll have Thomas and Edward Cartledge back in the side this week which is a big boost for us, but obviously Brenton’s 200th should be a big motivating factor as well.
“He’s a club legend, a great bloke and he works his backside off for this club, and I think the expectation from every player is that their teammates do the same.”
While he’s come in for some well-deserved praise from his club and coach, Surrey himself simply wanted to do his best to come home with a win.
“We may not be the most talented side in the competition, but I think we’ve shown that we’re among the hardest working,” Surrey said.
“There’s a lot of depth out at Kiewa, but it’ll come down to who’s willing to put the work in.”
