Page 512 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

It was a personal triumph for Browne-Kerr whose fearsome reputation often counts against him. He
dedicated his dominant display to his father, Don, whom circumstances prevented watching the
finest two hours of his son’s football career.

While thrilled with his Pascarl Medal, Browne-Kerr was only interested in his premiership medallion
in the dressing room after the game. “That’s the only one I want brother.” he said with a satisfied
smile.

Teammate John Cuzzupe described the win as “the happiest day of my life”.

So excited with the premiership win, Cuzzupe said it meant more to him than his only senior
appearance with Footscray. in 1992. And the Bulldogs walloped North Melbourne at Waverley that
day.

Not surprisingly, Tigers’ coach Robert Smith was singing a different tune.

“There’s no feeling ... I’m just numb,” a shell-shocked Smith said.

He urged his side to “stick together” as they tried to come to terms with their gut-wrenching defeat.

“We’ll get over this together,” he said.

It was an afternoon of high drama, with both teams suffering early injuries to key players.

Champion Yarraville full forward Brian “Buttsa” Memedi’s ecstasy of kicking his of kicking his 100th
goal of the season early in the first quarter quickly turned to agony when he seriously injured his
ankle only minutes later.

And boom Parkside goal kicker Corey Klaaysen hurt his knee early in the second term after kicking
two goals in the opening quarter.

It was a game worthy of a grand final. The AFL will be happy if their grand final is half as absorbing
and exciting.

Both sides threatened to run away with the game at various stages, only to be pegged back by the
other.

Barry Priest Medallist Michael Frost was the stand-out player of the match, with a completely
dominating performance in the centre. It wasn’t his fault the Tigers were pipped.

Fearless Parkside captain Michael “Tocka” O’Keefe played the game of his life, hard at the ball as he
collected numerous possessions as a ruck-rover.

It’s a big time in O’Keefe’s life. He marries sweetheart Helen Carroll in Sunshine this Saturday.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider