Player Column – Jarrod Parry Round 22

IT WAS disappointing to hear Whitey call in the playing group, coaches, support staff and board members prior to training on Tuesday and announce his retirement.

He has been an integral player to the club for over a decade and his playing record speaks for itself with one colts, one reserves, two league flags and 190-plus league games. It is something many players would be envy of, but it’s a phenomenal achievement!

One of Whitey’s strengths that stand out to me is the way he leads every session with his training standards on the track. His intensity and willingness to improve each session forces players to improve with him, which leads to overall success.

Whitey is one of the best leaders I’ve played with, he gains respect from the playing group by his honest but fair approach to the team. He always puts the team first and demands the best from his teammates. Not everyone is blessed with these attributes and to apply them to the rigors of football is a real sentiment to himself. These leadership qualities are one of the many things I admire as a younger teammate and if I could have even half of his leadership traits it would hold me in good stead.

Off the track Whitey was always one of the most welcoming players who would always be keen for a chat, a fair bit of banter and always invite you out for a beer. Some highlights are his appearances on footy trips, which he is well renowned for by leading the way and showing the rookies how it’s done after they burn out just a few days in.

Being the host of Whitey’s Whisper’s this year has created many laughs around the club as many teammates have been under the pressure of his insightful and challenging questions. It’s unsure at this stage who will take the reins if it continues next year but it will be a hard act to follow. I’m putting my vote in already for the sequel Smack’s Secrets.

Hopefully Whitey moves on to a coaching role in the near to distant future as he has such a good knowledge of footy and I’m sure he will be successful.

This weekend though, we come up against West Perth and we want to finish the season off strongly. It would be terrific to get a last win for Whitey in his last game at Fremantle Oval and get back on the winners list to ensure we finish the 2015 season on a high.