COOLAMON ruckman Ben Edyvean lives by a simple philosophy in both football and life, and it has served him well ahead of his 250th first grade game on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Edyvean will run out for his 250th game when Coolamon host arch-rivals Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in a huge clash at Kindra Park.
The Hoppers veteran made a slow start to his career but has transformed into one of the best ruckmen in the Riverina.
“It’s pretty exciting. I never thought I would make it this far,” Edyvean said.
“I’m pretty lucky, because I’ve never been quick enough to get injured.
“I wouldn’t have even thought that I would get to 100 games. My first two games at the club were in firsts, then I played seconds for the whole year after that.”
The 35-year-old swears that hard work can get you anywhere.
“(The secret is) training. Listening, learning and working hard. The same things in life as in football,” Edyvean said.
“You have got to work hard, and you never stop learning.”
Edyvean credits Coolamon coach Matt Hard for a lot of his career.
Remarkably, Hard was the person to hand him his first senior game at the Hoppers.
“Matt was coaching in my first game, and he’s still coaching for game 250,” he said.
Edyvean, Coolamon’s 2006 best and fairest winner, said the highlight of his career is the 2013 premiership win.
He also won a reserve grade grand final at Coolamon in 2003.
Edyvean rates Hard, Marshal Macauley, Ryan Chamberlain, Jamie Maddox and Luke Maloney as the best he has played alongside at Coolamon.
He named Scott Hamblin, Lachie Hunter, Paul Scoullar and Jacob Olsson as his toughest opponents over the journey.
Edyvean’s longevity and durability has been one of his strengths. He has an ability to play through niggling injuries and even managed eight consecutive seasons without missing a game.
Edyvean has no intention of giving the game away any time soon either.
“I don’t know, after they stop picking me I suppose,” he said.
“Maybe another year or two.”
He has loved his time at Coolamon.
“It’s a great community club, there’s something really special about it,” he said.
“It’s probably the same as any other country club but I’ve met some fantastic people, friends for life. I’ve also played against some great people.”
Mitch McKelvie will also celebrate his 50th first grade game on Saturday.
To play finals, Coolamon must beat the Lions, and hope Collingullie-Glenfield Park beat Wagga Tigers.
Edyvean said it is the perfect milestone game.
“It works out well,” he said.
“I’ve got to play against the best ruckman in the league, but we’re playing at home against Ganmain to try to get a spot in finals.”
