Three-time Orange Tigers flag-winner Simon Kay will achieve a rare milestone in Saturday’s Central West AFL round five clash against Young, it’s his 100th first grade appearance in black and gold.
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Kay, 35, joined the club in 2009 after moving north from Albury-Wodonga and has enjoyed a stellar career since, particularly through 2013, 2014 and 2015 when the Tigers won three consecutive flags.
He was a vital cog in all three wins.
Although, true to his humble nature, when asked how pumped he is to notch his 100th appearance Kay fired back with another question.
“Is it my 100th game?” he laughed.
“There you go, I did ask about game tallies not long ago, I knew I was close but I didn’t actually know it was this game.
“I guess it is special, I love the Tigers so to hit 100 games is a proud moment.
“I didn’t really think I’d get there, I wasn’t sure I’d even play again this season.
“To be honest a lot of the reason I am playing is because my wife Jayarna is in the women’s team.
“Well, I would’ve found it pretty hard to say no to Croc (Tigers coach Dale Hunter) too, he’s one of my best mates and he’d asked me to have a run around again.
“I’m not sure how many others there are who have hit 100 games so it’s nice to be a part of that club, I know there’s a few boys I’m still running around with.
“Mitch McKenna has definitely played over 100 and I think Croc would have too.”
McKenna was in fact the 15th to reach the milestone – behind Mark Field, Frank Weymouth, Mark Byrne, Steve May, Paul McDonell, Graeme Corby, Mick Thornberry, Nic Freedman, Nathan Totten, Craig Donaldson, Andrew McIntyre, Nathan Pearce, John Wilkons and Steve Buesnell.
Kay’s been through all of the Tigers’ ups and downs, from the three flags to last year’s dejecting sixth finish.
“I actually remember saying that after winning three flags in a row I think it would’ve been a bit selfish of us to be overly disappointed with not performing in 2016,” Kay, a former best and fairest winner, said.
“I wasn’t too concerned by it, you can’t sustain success forever and we always have good groups of guys coming in, which we’ve got this year.
“It’s really great to see the club winning again but more than anything, I’m really excited for the women’s league to continue developing.
“It’s really come along in leaps and bounds and I think it’s just going to get bigger and bigger.”
Kay said winning over Young would be a special moment for him, considering the milestone, but it’ll be just as important for the Tigers, gunning for a fourth straight victory.
“Any win is pretty special to us at the moment,” Kay said.
“While I’m desperate to win I’d also like to see Young play well, we all want their club to do well and grow so hopefully it’s a good game.”
The Tigers face Young at Country Club, with first bounce scheduled for 2.30pm. The Tigerettes have the bye.