BK: 2018 was an absolute roller-coaster ride for you. How do you look back on it?

JP: It certainly was, it’s hard to put into words but it was a year I certainly will never forget.

BK: The death of your close mate and former Howlong teammate Clement Kerinaiua must have been really tough?

JP: It’s something I think about every day. I was about to board a plane to Darwin in October, 12 hours from seeing him when I received a call with the news. I still really struggle to accept it and I’m not sure I ever will. 

BK: How close were you?

JP: He was like a little brother to me, or sometimes more like a son to me and Simone, that’s how much we loved him.  Every time our son, Judd, walks past his photo it’s uncle Clem. We first met Clement when he jumped off a plane from the Tiwi Islands in Melbourne with Dion Munkara four years ago, and from there on he became a big part of our lives and part of our family. He had a huge impact on the whole Howlong community where he spent a full football season before heading back with him to Tiwi to be with his family.

BK: Any particular memories on the football ground?

JP: A game at Urana Road Oval against the Murray Magpies. We were down at half-time and Clement had probably played his worse half of footy for the year in wet, sluggish conditions. Then in walked ‘Walla’ (Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti) his best mate. Clem went on to have over 20 possessions in the second half and kicked a freakish goal from the boundary. I had the opportunity the following season to play alongside both him and Dion for the Tiwi Bombers, a memory I’ll cherish forever.

BK: Were you able to go to Clement’s funeral in the Northern Territory?

JP: Being in Darwin at the time of his passing I was able to go out to Tiwi and visit his family where they had began ceremonies. It was an extremely difficult time but at the same time I’m glad I had the opportunity to be there.  It rocked the community really hard as Clement was such a well-liked and respected man. It also impacted the Howlong community with former teammates, friends and supporters sending through messages to me to pass onto the family. We were able to organise our own gathering to send him off in Howlong once I returned  from the NT which was greatly supported by the Howlong community.

BK: You have a real bond with a lot of the Indigenous boys don't you?

JP: I do and it’s become a real passion for me to not only recruit them as footballers but also give them other opportunities in life. I’ve brought in 16 young men in total from both Tiwi Islands and Halls Creek in Western Australia to play football at Howlong, Henty and North Wangaratta over the last four years.

BK: It must be a real life experience for them?

JP: They come from small remote rural communities, with different backgrounds. It’s a great opportunity for them to gain experience through football and work which benefits them especially when they return home. It’s a bit of work getting the boys here and getting them set up with accommodation and work. I’m really thankful to the Howlong and now Henty football clubs in supporting and embracing these boys. In return the boys have certainly put back in by helping at field days and other fundraising events.

BK: How did you first come into contact with the Northern Territory?

JP: I had a conversation with Darkie Collins one night after a game, and it went from there. Darkie goes to Darwin every footy season and knows a lot of people and he asked if I would be interested in heading up to play. So it started. I owe a lot to Darkie because if it wasn’t for him I would have never had the opportunity to meet Clement or any of the other boys and I couldn’t imagine that.

BK: You've spent a lot of time up there, what do you love about it?

JP: I do love it. I probably wish I had the opportunity when I was younger. I really enjoy the lifestyle and climate. I’ve also met so many people great people during my time up there who still remain great friends now. It’s an exciting brand of football the NTFL. I enjoy watching the live stream most weekends.

BK: You are one of the most passionate football coaches I've met. Where does that come from?

JP: I absolutely love it, probably too much at times. Growing up with Dad (Darryl) playing and coaching obviously had a big impact. Also my mum and her best friend, Sharon, took me down to watch my Brisbane Bears/Lions as a kid every weekend they played in Melbourne. That was certainly a factor as well.

BK: Did you always want to coach?

JP: I never thought about coaching in my early days of playing senior footy but looking back I was always passionate about the game so it was probably going to lead into it. My playing days are numbered but I can certainly see myself remaining involved in footy for a while yet.

BK: It was a really tough finish for Henty last season. Tell us about Jarrah Maksymow because you and Henty copped a bit when things went wrong during the finals series?

JP: I don’t regret giving Jarrah an opportunity last year because, even though he let the team down at an important time, he was a committed teammate and clubman up until that stage. He proved to people during that period he does have potential. We are all aware of his past and he knows he needs to change, and I certainly don’t approve of any of misdemeanors. It’s easy to sit back and throw negative comments and maybe some are warranted but I believe if more people were positive and supportive it would give Jarrah and others a better chance to become better people.

BK: So no regrets?

JP: None. I really hope Jarrah can change his behaviour and have a positive influence on his son who I know is his number one priority moving forward.

BK: Have you stayed in touch?

JP: Yes a number of players and supporters have visited him which is great for his well-being. It’s a real positive for him and he really appreciates the support those people have given him.

BK: You firmly believe in giving people a second chance don't you?

JP: Yes I do, everyone makes mistakes and goes through tough times. I know from my own life where I have had my struggles and made bad decisions you really need support of people around you.

BK: You had some personal troubles about 10 years ago. Did people look out for you when you were pretty low?

JP: They did. My family and friends really supported me, probably at times when they could of walked away but they continued the support and remained positive which certainly made things easier coming out the other side.

BK: You were playing at North Albury at that stage. I would imagine some of your teammates backed you in as well?

JP: ‘Macca’ (Matt McDonald) in particular was a huge support. Dan Leslie, Kade Brown and Andrew Thompson were great as well.

BK: In tough times, did the birth of your son, Judd, help put things into perspective?

JP: Absolutely it did. You don’t realise how much love you have to give until you have kids. They become the number one priority in life. Judd and Simone have made my life amazing. You want your kids to grow up being good caring people and they are the attributes I need to have to ensure he follows suit.