Another memorable highlight was added to the ‘Strawhorn Show’ on Saturday when Chase Strawhorn booted his 1000th goal at senior level.
Strawhorn entered rare air during the Picola District Football League round six encounter against Deniliquin Rovers when he calmly slotted a set-shot kick from 30m out on a slight angle.
The 34-year-old spearhead was joined on the field by supporters, friends and family following his extraordinary achievement.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Strawhorn and the Hoppers faithful as Rennie suffered a 62-point defeat to the Rovers.
Rennie’s star forward settled for three majors in the loss.
Not one to make a fuss about his milestone and quite the modest talent, Strawhorn joked that he was glad to be able to finally tick it off.
“Yeah it’s sunk in, it’s been talked about for around 12 months now and hopefully we can all move on,” he said with a laugh.
“We had a few drinks to celebrate ... it was great to have my family, wife and kids there to enjoy it.”
Strawhorn’s career record speaks for itself.
Across 242 games, with Yarrawonga, Jerilderie, Mulwala and the Hoppers, he’s averaged more than four goals a match.
The talented dead-eye forward has won four premierships and seven league goal-kicking awards.
He’s passed 100 goals in a season multiple times and has booted 10 goals or more in a match on 15 occasions.
Strawhorn has made a name for himself terrorising defenders and joked that he “rarely leaves the goal square”.
Reflecting on his career achievements, Strawhorn was quick to mention that the premiership wins were his highlights.
And what about his most memorable or favourite goals from his 1000?
“When I was at Jerilderie, I kicked a goal with about 10 seconds left in the 2009 grand final to help us win the game by three points. I’d say that one is the most memorable,” he said.
“And when we beat Tungamah in 2017 that was pretty special because they’ve always been a big rival. I was able to kick six that day as we went from not winning a game the previous season to winning the flag.”
The father of five has ambitions to continue playing until he can run out alongside his eldest twins Connor and Blair.
“I’d love to be able to play with my kids. My twins are 15 at the moment, so hopefully the body can stay in one piece for a little bit longer.”
In other highlights from the weekend, Waaia remains unbeaten at the top of the ladder following a thumping 158-point win over Berrigan.
Tungamah breezed past Jerilderie by 53 points with Ash Saunders booting seven majors, while Katandra cruised to a 111-point thumping of Yarroweyah.
Strathmerton playing coach Tim Looby slotted seven majors in his side’s 16.12 (109) to 5.13 (43) win over Katamatite.