2023 R1 Mt Lofty v Blackwood, we have asked Rick – who was inducted as a MLDF Life Member in 2014 – to give us a summary on his time around the club. His thoughts are below, and in true Benny style, we are sure you will enjoy the read.
Thanks for all you have done for the Devils Rick!
It’s an honour to be asked to toss the coin for the first game of 2023.
The trouble I find with reflection, apart from the many great life moments that football has given me, is that you see into yourself – and I see a talent wasted, a young man who put more effort into having a good time than he did his football.
A young man who had no comprehension or appreciation of the effort that so many put into the running and success of the club. Selfish is a good word for it. The effort I gave was meagre for what I received in return.
Fortunately, I had two careers at Mt Lofty. The one spoken about above was from 1979 to 1992, the second from 2003 to 2018 was the opportunity to give back to the club that had given me so much, where I saw, enjoyed and contributed to the club and community, playing, coaching and volunteering in a number of roles.
My closest friends are from football, both my wives took the bait during premiership seasons and both my sons have played senior football at Mt Lofty. The club has given me plenty.
I started playing for Stirling U10s in 1973 at the age of 7 and playing in the 1977 U14 premiership side for Stirling against HAU, Stirling’s last premiership. At 17 I played my first A Grade game for Mt Lofty in 1983. Played in premierships in 1986 and 1990 (Alex Parkin medallist).
Life took me away from the Hills in 1992. From 2003 to 2018 I played A Grade, B Grade, C Grade and Masters football including two B Grade flags in 2005 and 2006 (dropped for the C Grade grand final in 2012 after playing a blinder in the prelim – thanks Thunder!)
Coaching our U15s in 2011 was one of the greatest football joys I’ve experienced. In following seasons, I also coached many of these players in U17s and B Grade.
I have been bar manager, unsuccessful senior football director, assistant coach and runner for the chicks B Grade supporting my wonderful (second) wife whilst sliding in a few B Grade games.
In 2018, I played with both my sons in the last game of the season – it doesn’t get any better than that!
Cheers,
Uncle Rick – Benny – King Richard – Hypo Nut – Boy
