As the days count down to Tatura’s upcoming clash against Echuca, it’s business as usual for club stalwart Linc Wellington.
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The footy club is abuzz and Wellington may be talk of the town, however, the unassuming and talented footballer is treating it like any other of his 299 senior matches in the red, white and blue.
He’s never been one to want or seek the spotlight.
That’s just the type of bloke and footballer he is.
Over the past two decades, Wellington’s led the way, both on and off the field, at Tatura Park.
For the 43-year-old, it’s head down and train hard but most importantly, not take things too seriously and seek enjoyment out of the game that has delivered him so many highlights.
And the game will give back yet another career achievement, with senior game 300 now less than 72 hours away for the Bulldog legend.
“It’s something that I know will be special, but I haven’t really thought too much about it. At the moment, it’s more embarrassing than anything to be honest,” Wellington said during the week.
“I still enjoy it (playing). I know it’s getting to the pointy end and I know it’s coming to an end. I’ve been very lucky.
“This year hasn’t been great, results wise, but Buffa (Chris) Ryan played his 150th a month ago and that was a nice thing to have when results aren’t going overly well, so I think the 300 might be a good little thing for the club and timing might be right.”
To many Goulburn Valley League followers, Wellington is renowned for his exploits at Tatura Park.
Opponents know him for his impeccable footy brain, work ethic, silky skills and the occasional sit on their heads — just like his late father Pat, who made a name for himself with high-flying marks during his playing days for Essendon.
To teammates and the entire Tatura faithful — which consists his Mum Sam — the player in number 11 is so much more.
He’s a dual premiership player, a former coach, a swathe of club best-and-fairest medals and was captain of the club’s last senior premiership in 2012 — his favourite highlight of his career.
For some of his much younger peers, Wellington is a mentor and father-figure and their youth keep the old dog wanting to keep up.
Wellington has represented the GVL on multiple occasions and has even donned the Big V guernsey for Victoria Country.
His involvement at the Kennel was interrupted with brief stints as coach of Numurkah and one year playing at Merrigum.
But there’s so much more to Wellington’s story than just his remarkable personal accolades in the Goulburn Valley.
Raised in Queensland, once Pat’s VFL career ended, that’s where Wellington’s involvement with the game began.
Along with his two brothers Matthew and Bryce, Wellington took up Dad’s passion for footy and started out with Beenleigh — where he would play 100 games before age 11.
“I’ve played with both of them, but unfortunately all three of us have never played together,” Wellington said.
“I went out to Merrigum to play with Bryce because I thought my footy career was done here (at Tatura) and I was lucky enough to win the flag in 2015. I was committed to Merrigum again but Tatura was short on a coach and the club asked if I was keen.
“I’m so glad that I did (coach) because I really enjoyed my footy again. It was like a new lease on life.”
State representative games for Queensland followed the young prodigy throughout his teens, which culminated in All-Australian honours.
In 1997, the newly-formed Brisbane Lions invited the teenager to pre-season training, however, “it didn’t eventuate” but the experience was “enjoyable” and “one to remember”.
A shift to Victoria and more importantly, Hopetoun, where Pat grew up, followed and the classy onballer got a taste for country football.
Another AFL club came calling, this time Melbourne, but Wellington stuck it out with the Devils until he shifted to Central Districts in Adelaide.
His friendship with Luke Cowan saw him form a connection with former Tatura coach Rob McCartney, which is what brought the Bulldogs’ second highest games-played holder to the club in 2002.
Fast forward 20 years, Wellington is not only one of the finest players to don the Tatura jumper but arguably, one of the top talents to have played GVL football.
If Wellington’s body gives him the green light in the days following his 300th, then he will be greeted with another special occasion.
He is on track to break the club’s record for most senior games played, which is currently held by GVL legend Fred McMahon, when Tatura plays host to Rochester in round 15.
Asked if he had given much thought on breaking the games record next week, Wellington was quick to not get ahead of himself.
“I’ve got to get there first,” he said with his signature grin.
“At the moment no, I’m not really thinking about it.
“I know it’s there and around the corner because people are mentioning it, but I’m not really thinking about.
“But yes down the track, it’s something that I’ll cherish, Because I do enjoy the place, there’s great people here and it’s a great club.
“It’s something I’m surprised with that I could be the club record holder ... it’s something I certainly didn’t expect or try to achieve when I got here in 02’.
“I’ve been lucky; I haven’t had a huge amount of injuries, COVID has been a pain, had a few years away at Numurkah and Merrigum ... in the end I’m happy to be here and at the moment I’m not trying to think too much about it.”
With his senior football career only a handful of games away from surpassing 500 in total, Wellington thanked those who have been along for the journey.
“Mum’s followed all of our footy careers and I know she’ll be proud this weekend,” he said.
“My wife and kids have been big supporters as well.
“I’d like to thank the footy club, it’s easy for me and for us to play a game of footy, it’s not a chore for me but there’s people here that do so much.
“It’s like that at every club, there’s lots of volunteers, but here we have some very special people and I’d like to thank those people, the supporters and sponsors. It’s a great place we’ve got here.”
Sports Editor