Modest, versatile Corowa footballer Hayden Filliponi will play his 150th senior game this Saturday against Albury but wants the attention directed to record-breaking games with the club Kade Kuschert and the Roos performing well.
The 27-year-old Manager at Corowa’s Health Culture Fitness Centre is positive about the direction of the Roos.
“The club has been heading in a positive direction for a few years now. It’s great watching the new crop of players marking their mark on the game like Cam Wilson, Darcy Melksham and Kaelan Bradtke,” he told The Free Press.
“I love the footy club because of the people it’s made up of. The relationships you form really make it feel like a family.”
Filliponi’s junior days were out at CDHBU on Saturdays and Corowa on Sundays. “Don’t know how my parents ever put up with taking me to two games and training every week!” he said.
It was 2011 when Filliponi started seniors under coach Shaun Mooney. “I was dropped after my first two games and haven’t been since but I’m sure I’ve been close!” That’s most doubtful, with the star winning the club goal kicking in 2012, being an Ovens and Murray League rising star awardee and claiming the club’s best and fairest in 2018.
Unfortunately Filliponi missed the 2015 season when he tore his ACL at an evening function.
The determined and talented footballer plays midfield and forward and average 10-15 goals a season.
As for opponents, he rates Myrtleford’s Christian Burgess and Lavington’s Shaun Mannagh as untouchable on their day. “You Just have to do your best to reduce their impact,” Filliponi said. “James Lawton would be the best player I’ve played with. As far as onfield goes, he was really positive at training and put on a show every game.”
A highlight Filliponi will remember for a long time was the win in the first round of 2018 after two winless seasons.
But the positive feel at John Foord Oval about winning is increasing and Filliponi is very much part of that culture.