IT was not that long ago that the likes of Michael Tuck and Craig Bradley continued their playing careers until they were 38. In fact Bradley was just short of turning 39 when he retired. We are now in an era where most footballers review their priorities as they approach 30.
Luckily for Subiaco, one of the club's favourite sons over the last decade has decided to play on in 2010 at the tender age of 36. At the end of 2009 Allistair Pickett was questioning whether he had anything more he could offer the league team.
However, during the off season Ali embarked on probably his most vigorous pre-season campaign and the endless hours in the gym have put him the best shape of his life. The thought of travelling to the bush to play was not appealing and with a desire to play league football the voice in his head said "keep playing while you can". There are many reasons why Pickett wanted to play on.
Firstly, new league coach Chris Waterman firmly believes the Sandover Medallist still has something to offer. Pickett still has lightning speed, his body is in good shape, he only started playing league football at 29, so is still young in terms of WAFL football, and he wants to play.
Pickett also felt he still had something to offer and thought that if the opportunity arose he would grab it. He is currently involved with coaching Subiaco's Colts group and he will continue in that role. His son Alliston (“Buddy”) is showing promise at that level and while we may all fantasize about a father/son combination in the league team, that is putting unrealistic pressure on the young fellow.
Pickett realises that his days as a premier on-baller have passed him and he sees himself as crumbing forward coming off the bench and even pinch hitting in the middle. At 36 he will see how his body copes. Of particular interest to Pickett was the passion of hopefully playing in a NAIDOC game in 2010.
He has missed these games in the last two years because of injury and he looks forward to the opportunity of representing his culture in a Subiaco guernsey.
Pickett has delighted the Subi faithful for many years and they look forward to some of his magic again in 2010.
