A Remarkable Career

[fulvio sammut]

My mate played his last game of rugby on Saturday.

He wasn't injured, in fact he's never had a serious rugby injury in his life, although he's played rugby at the highest level in WA, as well as in NSW, both rugby and league, not to mention Wallaby trials and State Internationals.

No, my mate just felt he was getting older and a bit slower, and the time was right.

Nothing unusual about that you might say, but in fact there is.

You see, my mate Gary Mickle has played rugby continuously every season since 1959 and is now into his seventy first year.

Last year Gary played in the fifth grade grand final for the winning team as tight head prop, and got a standing ovation from players and supporters of both clubs and everyone else at Perry Lakes on the day. It was an occasion that gave you goosebumps and made your hair stand up at the back of your neck, at least it was for me. But then, I still have hair.

Back to last Saturday. Gary was selected to play fifth grade again for Palmyra, and his two sons, Shane and David, who respectively play for Dunsborough and Perth and have never played together with their father, turned up to play with him in his last game. Hang the competition rules.

I didn't see much of the game. As second grade manager Ihad my duties to attend to, but my attention was drawn to a loud roar and applause from the number two field and I looked across to see Gary, ball in hand, lumbering to the try line. I saw several University players make half hearted attempts to stop him but I could see they were aware of the spirit of the occasion, and generously let him touch the ball down for the last time.

And then the great old man kicked his last conversion, and the game was over as was a remarkable rugby career.

Thanks for the memories Gary, and for the privilege I and many, many others have had playing with you and against you.

[NTT]

that is remarkable

congratulations Gary, you've given magnificent service to rugby
happy retirement

[pieter blackie]

Had a chat to David at training on Tuesday he said it was the best rugby match of his life playing with his brother and Dad

[JediKnight]

Great stuff, FS. Awesome to know that the true spirit is alive & well at grassroots level.

I once played a club match where our half-backs (9 & 10) had a combined age of over 100!!!! They were real servants to the club but it certainly made us backrowers work that bit harder as they didn't put in the biggest of tackles anymore!!!

[brokendown gunfighter]

what excuse is he going to use to get out of the house now?

[Ecky]

As mentioned in here before, I had the pleasure of reffing that 5ths GF. Gary was subbed late in the 2nd half and just didn't want to go off. I was mightily impressed that he was playing prop, of all positions. I didn't get goosebumps but was still well impressed. I remember the applause.

i thought he may have retired on a winning note after that GF but then noticed him pre0game last Saturday. He's a very very impressive man.

Good onya Gary, and good onya Fulvio for letting us in on it.

[frontrow]

I have had the honour of playing alongside this great man and also alongside Fulvio on occasion, and i'll be honest, i have a tear in my eye writing this as the bloke (gary that is, ok, you to frank)is a deadset bloody legend, and also topnotch bloke off the field...I hope he enjoys his retirement from his awesome passion, it'll probably be difficult for him to go and watch and resist the urge to get out and give it another go...
Good work Gary, you are an excellent role model for fellow props to admire...I only wish i had been there to watch your last game mate...

[rick boyd]

Never thought I would see the day. Father Time has finally caught up with Old Man Rugby. The end of an era. Legends like Gary Mickle are the reason that rugby is the Game They Play in Heaven.

[Moses]

They say props get better with age, but I reckon 71 is taken that a bit far. Thanks for the story FS, good read.

I once played a club match where our half-backs (9 & 10) had a combined age of over 100!!!!

you played for the Brumbies last year?

[RuckNMaul]

i missed this one the first time around,
Great story FS and im sure Gary is mighty proud to see his rugby legacy live on in his sons
i have played with(he played prop for Great Southern in the Country Carnival GF at Gero06) and against(GSvSW and Narrogin V Duns)his son Shane (WA Country Prop) and have always enjoyed his spirit for the game.

i can only hope i will still be playing at that age

[frontrow]

I'm half his age, and i am stuffed, although i'd love to play again...

[RuckNMaul]

Well FR if you really want a game let me know and ill see what i can do

[frontrow]

;-) I'll keep that in mind Krusher...

[prop53]

Well i retired when i reached 50( tight head prop) and thought that was good after 42 yrs but this man leaves me for dead. Good on yeah and enjoy your retirement