WANGARATTA’S Judd Porter played alongside some of the Ovens and Murray’s finest during his 250-plus match career.
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Today, the former Wangaratta coach and premiership skipper nominates his five most influential teammates.
JON HENRY
This bloke has had plenty said about him over the years but anyone who played with, under or against him understands why.
It takes a lot of people to build a successful club, but I certainly haven’t seen anyone have such an impact on a place as an individual as ‘Henners’ did.
As a coach he was ruthless.
I still have nightmares of running 1km time trials with bricks above our heads.
Paula, his wife, is either the most patient lady in the world or just doesn’t like hanging out with him socially.
JON McCORMICK
The most unassuming, modest guy I have played with.
He left our grand final celebrations to go surfing on the Monday morning which didn’t shock anyone.
Always played the ball, would get beat up on every weekend and just got up to go about his business.
Could lace out a forward or kick one from 50m himself.
Tough and would have been a 200-plus game AFL player at most clubs.
BEN COSGRIFF
Quality centre-half-back’s are very hard to come by.
Especially ones that are 6ft ‘3 and as intimidating as Ben Cosgriff.
I’ll never forget ‘Hop’ having to sit under a skied ball in the grandstand pocket at Lavington in the 2007 grand final and Dan Leslie making sure ‘Hop’s’ collarbone was okay to play.
Ben disagreed with the treatment and quickly moved in to fly the flag.
‘Les’ is by no means a small man himself but certainly went into the fetal position when he saw Cosgriff coming.
It helped change the match.
MICHAEL NEWTON
I’m glad I’m not playing on or in front of him on Sunday.
I’m yet to see anyone be able to contain him for a full match.
He’s an amazing leader.
‘Juice’ can pull in a mark kicked two metres too wide and kick a goal from 60 metres when it matters.
His pre-game speeches have also improved.
MATT KELLY
He’s the only man I’ve seen be able to bend down and pick up a half volley and kick it in one motion.
I guess it helps being so close to the ground.
He has been ultra consistent and loyal over a long period of time.
He does a lot of the hard work to bring in the outside players like ‘Boyley’.
Strongest glutes in the club, possibly the league.
