Hayden Ballantyne shares his thoughts ahead of his 150th game at Domain Stadium, played on Sunday against Richmond.
I wouldn’t be the first to say that playing AFL was a childhood dream of mine.
It didn’t come as easy, though.
After playing in two colts grand finals for Peel when I was 17 and 18 years old I missed the draft for the next two years, which was obviously disappointing.
For most of my time in the WAFL, I played in the midfield until I moved to the forward line in 2008.
I kicked 76 goals that year, so looking back that was probably the best move I’ve ever made.
It helped me win the Sandover Medal and get recognised by Freo.
I really loved getting down to Rushton Park and I’ll go and watch the boys as much as I can and I’ve still got life-long friends from that time.
At Freo, I’m really excited to be eligible for life membership after playing my 150th game.
It’s been a long road with a few missed games through injury and suspension, but to finally get there is an honour and something that I’ll cherish when I’m a bit older and larger around the waist.
To play in a great Freo sides from 2012 to 2015 was a real privilege. The hard work definitely paid off because I got to play with some of the greats of the game.
We played in a lot of finals and it led to a grand final. Obviously, we didn’t the get ultimate prize but I’ve still got a bit of time left so hopefully, we can still build back to playing finals soon.
I still remember the early days of my career in 2009.
My first game was at the MCG in front of 50,000 crazy Collingwood fans and the Magpies were flying at the time.
We ended up getting smacked but I just soaked up the atmosphere and I did the best I could.
Hayden Ballantyne on debut against Collingwood in round 13, 2009. He would wear the number 17 in his debut season.
My second game was against Carlton back at Subiaco which I remember well as I chased Juddy (Chris Judd) down.
He was my childhood idol growing up. I didn’t get him holding the ball but as I helped him back up I had to pinch myself knowing that I chased down someone I’ve always looked up to.
Coming into Freo I wasn’t a bad footy player but professionally, I didn’t stack up too well.
When Ross arrived in 2012, he really showed us what it takes to be a great player and a great AFL team.
Discipline and avoiding overindulgence are the main things I’ve taken from him - short term pain equals long term gain, do the hard work now and you’ll reap the benefits in the future.
It comes down ticking all the little boxes and those boxes stack up over your career.
I’ve found that this not just in football, it’s in life as well.
What I take out of football I relate to my life, and my wife will attest to that. She cops a few Ross-isms from me at home, so clearly he’s put a big stamp on my life.
As have my teammates. I’ve made a lot of long-lasting friendships at the club.
The reason why you play football is to play with your mates and for your mates. When the chips are down, they’re the ones who stand up for you and you’ll stand up for them.
I’ve formed really strong friendships with the likes of Aaron Sandilands, Nick Suban and even guys who have left the club in Mick Barlow and Kepler Bradley. They’re really good mates I’ll talk to on a weekly basis and, hopefully, we’ll catch up for a beer at the end of the season.
I know I have a reputation for being a prankster around the club but if you’re not having fun then what’s the point? You may as well go and dig holes somewhere for a living!
Subes, he probably cops the brunt of it now. It used to be Kepler and they took it on the chin pretty well most of the time.
Finally, I’d like to thank my friends, family and the Freo fans.
My family were the ones taking me to games when I was a junior and then through WAFL.
Now I’m in the AFL they get to come and sit up in the stands and have a beer and watch the footy, which is great.
More recently, the kids have been able to come and watch with my wife. They love it and they’ll be running out there with me on Sunday, which will be a bit of a buzz for them and myself - it’s a moment I’m sure I’ll look back on fondly when I’m older.
To the fans, thank-you for your die hard support. You’ve stood by us and we’ll stand by you.
I hope we can get the win against the Tigers on Sunday and we know you’ll be there roaring when we kick a goal or lay a big tackle.
The team’s had its ups and downs but hopefully, we’ll keep working hard and we’ll have more ups to look forward to in the future.
