The Hampton Rovers all-time games record has been broken, with Lachlan Wheeler running out for his 353rd VAFA game for the club on Saturday.
The record had previously been held by Barry Bird for quite some time, before ‘Wheels’ equalled the milestone two weeks ago in the final game of the Thirds season played at Castlefield Reserve. On that day, he was joined by Stephen Anderson who has played more total club games, across the juniors and seniors, than any other (479, including 333 VAFA games).
Lachie was selected in the Reserves team to face the Monash Blues on Saturday and ran out onto Boss James Reserve, breaking the club record in the process.
Wheels has been a great clubman over a long period. He first played for the club in 1999 in the Under 19s and has been a big contributor both on and off the field ever since.
Awarded Life Membership of the Rovers in 2013, he has been club secretary, committee member and has helped out in many roles. More often than not, Lachie would give it his all playing in the Ressies, then assist the seniors, whether it’s running water, boundary umpire, or whatever job needed to be done.
A role model for others to follow and someone every club needs.
On Saturday, Lachie was called up to speak during half time at the home game luncheon where he spoke about his time at the club and his love of the mighty Rovers.
To cap things off, the Rovers got up and recorded a memorable two-point win over third-placed Monash Blues in the team’s performance of the season. Lachie was chaired off the ground to the applause of many who got gathered to congratulate him.
