Sport
Shepparton great Nick Allan to celebrate 350th GVL appearance this weekend
After more than 20 years running out in the 2pm timeslot, Nick Allan knows a thing or two about longevity in football.
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From strict recovery regimes, to fitness training, “stripping some weight” in COVID-19 lockdown, to a simple love for the game.
The Shepparton stalwart is preparing for his 350th Goulburn Valley League senior match when his side hits the road to take on Tatura this weekend.
Ahead of his major milestone match, Allan revealed how a 38-year-old maintains a spot in a side in one of the premier comps in country Victoria.
“The older you get the more time you need to spend on doing recovery and things like that,” he said.
“It does start to impact family time and it’s more time investing into your footy which makes it hard, but that’s what you have got to do to keep playing and to make sure you’re right to go each week.
“I’ve also found, as you get older, what type of mindset you’re in plays a really big part in your performance. I find that to be the hardest aspect to be honest.
“If you’re in a good mindset it goes a long way, so I’ve found you need to let things go and just surround yourself with positive people.”
There have been plenty of changes to GVL footy since Allan made his senior debut — one that stretches back to the beginning of the 2000s — but there’s always been one constant.
The Bear pulling on the No.3 jumper.
Allan has become synonymous with Shepparton in a illustrious career that has featured five club best-and-fairests and a premiership.
He broke the club’s games record (309) in 2019, weeks after his 300th match, held by former teammate and friend Stephen Ash.
The Bears on-baller has been a mainstay in the line-up and across his two decades has become a revered and respected player in the competition.
Known for his toughness, class skills and easy knack of finding the footy, Allan is continuing to enjoy strong performances in 2023.
Even in his twilight years, the father of two is averaging 16.3 disposals and is ranked top-five at the club for clearances (3.5), tackles (3.9), contested possessions (7.5) and loose ball gets (3.8).
Not that he is interested in the statistical-side of the game either, with Allan highlighting that you “shouldn’t have to ask people whether you played a good game or not”.
His playing role may “be different” to what he’s used to, with the Bears heading on a rebuild with fresh faces in the midfield, yet he is content and happy to still be around “an exciting group”.
The new-look Bears face a side following a close trajectory to them on Saturday in Tatura.
“They are in a similar position as us and we know it’s going to be a tough test especially over there on their home deck,” he said.
“They are a great footy club, with some good people and I’ve got a lot of respect for them. I’m quite happy that this game is over there and against Tat, I couldn’t think of a better club to play my 350th in.”
But don’t go expecting Allan to hang around and reach the next big milestone of 400 games.
Allan was quick to squash any idea of breaking Rochester great Anthony “Tank” McPhee’s GVL games record.
“I actually bumped into Tank when we played Rochy and I told him ‘don’t worry mate your record is safe’,” Allan said with a laugh.
“I’ll see how my mind and body is going.
“I want to be playing for the right reasons; I want to still be able to feel like I’m contributing and holding my own and not playing just for the sake of it.
“I don’t want to keep a young kid out from playing senior footy, I’ve been able to have my time in the sun, so when I feel like I’m no longer contributing that’s when I’ll finish up.”
If 2023 does turn out to be Allan’s final year in the gold and maroon, rest assured he won’t be lost to the club.
His son Maelan, 14, is following in dad’s footsteps through the junior ranks at the Bears, while his daughter Lillijana, 18, is following family tradition by playing senior netball at Deakin Reserve.
“Shepparton is such a great footy club and they’ve been awesome to me and my family,” he said.
“They gave me an opportunity to get my first job and I guess it’s why I’ve hung around for as long as I have ― I love it here.
“I want to thank the footy club for everything they’ve done and thank my family for putting up with my complaining and whinging every Sunday.”
Sports Editor