|
Some may say that modern footballers are a far cry from those of yesteryear, with their coloured boots, boutique hair-doos, weird names, and Hawaiian quality tans in the middle of June. Warwick Capper, thanks to his golden locks and microscopic shorts, pioneered the trend in the 80s, and these days the footy field seems just as good a place as the catwalks of London and Paris to show off the latest in male fashion; it's enough to inspire Derek Zoolander to pull on the Puma's and grab a Sherrin. -Michael Sharkie
But despite the flashy forwards and the bleached-blonde backmen that we've all grown accustomed to in recent times, there are still plenty of players who let their game, rather than there hair-styles, do the talking.
Watching Adam Parker play footy is like watching a brickie on a job site. There's no fuss, no glamour, not ritz, just a bloke who knows what he has to do, and who's getting the job done.
19 year old Parker is more Nathan Burke than Nick Riewoldt, more Matthew Boyd than Jason Akermanis. If you don't watch closely you might not notice him darting around the flanks picking up handballs or getting quick kicks forward from packs.
Parker arrived at Casey from Eastern Ranges with a carload of team mates for the 2006/07 pre-season. After playing his junior footy with Wantirna Football Club, Parker became a consistent performer with Eastern, prompting him to raise the bar prior to last season.
"Me and Luke Williams, Ryan Creed, Evan Panozza, and a few others, thought we'd come down for the preseason and give it a go. Didn't have too many expectations, just wanted to see how far we'd get." Parker said.
After impressing then coach Peter Banfield during the off-season, Parker and Co. were fortunate enough to make the list, and set about adjusting to the demands of the VFL competition.
While some of his compatriots took a little longer to adjust, Parker seemed a natural. With consistent form in the reserves, Parker worked hard to make his senior debut in round 10 against North Ballarat, and was among the best afield when Casey defeated the Bendigo Bombers in round 11 of last year. He added nine more senior games to his season 2007 tally, truly a
fine effort for a first season player.This year however, opportunities have not been as easy to come by, but Parker has still managed to play 11 of the 15 rounds in the seniors.
"St Kilda haven't had as many injuries this season and we're a stronger side as well, but that's good for the club and you just have to take your opportunities when they come along," Parker said.
"I'm playing footy with my best mates, what more could you ask for?"
Looking to build on a successful debut season Parker is enjoying the Scorpion's recent success and is hopeful of taking his first taste of VFL finals football later this year after missing a place in the senior team for last year's second elimination final.
And while a healthier St Kilda contingent is contributing to Casey's on-field success in 2008, Parker believes his carload of team mates are a big part of the clubs recent achievements.
"The best bit about this club is that most of the boys are all the same age. We do similar things, we're at the same place with our footy. There's a really good core of young blokes and that's helping the team play well and win consistently,"
And as for the future, Parker has eyes only for the next round, and the next opportunity to cement his place in the senior team, confident in the knowledge that his ability and hard work will speak for itself. |
