He’s also a far busier man these days, though, and Shepparton Golf great Brad Orr is primarily plying his trade in the big smoke at the highest club level with Essendon this season.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who followed his exploits in the blue and gold, where the individual and team accolades piled as high as the ceiling, that he’s doing more than a half-decent job in the Victorian Premier setting.
Having made a handful of visits back to town, including for the Byers Invitational pairs event where he donned his new Essendon colours, Orr was able to drop into the studio as a guest on 2025’s first edition of After the Jack.
He acknowledged his decision to step away from leadership of the Goulburn Valley Playing Area powerhouse wasn’t an easy one, but he nonetheless retains strong ties to the Golfers.
“It was definitely tough to leave Shepp Golf; I’d been there for nine or 10 years,” Orr said.
“It was probably a case of now or never for me to give it a crack.
“Whether it lasts for two years or one year remains to be seen, but I’m happy with how we’re going at the minute and if we can sneak a couple of wins in the next few weeks, we can hopefully push for finals.
“Thursday nights, I go out to training at Shepp Golf. If we’re playing a Friday night game, I’ll commute down there (to Essendon) after work, come home and I’m in bed by about 1.30.
“On a Saturday I’m probably home by 7.30, which is probably a little bit earlier than I’d be if I was at Shepp Golf.”
There’s plenty else to think about once you’re actually on the greens among the state’s best as well.
The long Fridays and metro Saturdays away from family naturally foster some changes in routine, but then there’s the matter of putting your best stuff on the rinks.
“They’re definitely more agile down there. They’re all younger blokes,” Orr said.
“They get a bit boisterous and fire everyone up. If everyone thought Shepp Golf were bad, times that by 10.
“There’d definitely be a few (from the GVPA) that could make it down there, as long as they’re willing to change their game style and adapt.
“Everyone’s in the game and there’s emphasis on every bowl, so numbers are hard to get.”
One of the landmark changes that came into local bowls this season was, of course, the VFL-esque permit system that allows Orr to still offer his services at Golf in the first place.
He, alongside the likes of usual partner in crime Ant Flapper as well as ex-Kyabram boss Brent Reiner, have certainly reaped the benefits.
While talk of the system hasn’t perhaps been universally glowing around the traps, Orr is adamant there’s a place for people to juggle metro and country commitments in seasons to come.
“I’m a fan of the permit system, don’t get me wrong,” Orr said.
“Not every club has to do it, not every club has to like it. If clubs don’t want to do it, they can’t begrudge other clubs for doing it because they aren’t breaking any rules.
“I think it’ll stay. I think Bowls Victoria, and I’ve got no inkling of this, might make a few subtle little changes.
“I think you should only be able to play as a permit player for one club, not multiple clubs. I think it becomes a bit of a cash grab.”
As for matters sitting before us this Saturday in the Allan Matheson Shield, Golf will look to further consolidate second spot on the road at Euroa, with Orr having made his last appearance before finals against Mooroopna last weekend.
Speaking of the Cats, they have a tough task to rebound from the hiding they copped at Golf’s hands when they welcome clear-cut leading side Tallygaroopna to town.
In a clash with certain and severe finals consequences, third-placed Shepparton Park will entertain perennial hopefuls Tatura-Hill Top, while Kyabram hopes to build on a surprise finals tilt in hosting East Shepparton.
