Shaun O’Neill is preparing to run out in his 100th game for the Wickers.
By Gavin Staindl
REACHING 100 games of junior footy is a milestone in itself, but when you are Shaun O’Neill it is something truly unique.
The Berwick youngster was born with only 40 per cent effective hearing, but this won’t prevent the 14-year-old running out to represent his beloved Berwick Juniors Football Club for the 100th time.
Shaun was once regarded as one of the best full-backs in the under-14 competition and after three major pre-season setbacks prevented him from making the division one side, he is now one of the leading goalkickers in his reserves team.
Sporting the number 23 and moulding his long kicking style to match idol Sav Rocca, Shaun has been picked to play his 100th game against Narre North Foxes next week in division one.
“You’ve got no idea how much it means to him,” Shaun’s father, Tony said.
“Sport is extremely important in his life. He plays football and cricket but would play heaps of others if he was allowed,” Tony said.
Shaun was diagnosed at birth with a hearing impairment and regular check-ups only show his condition is slowly getting worse.
“He will wake up without his hearing aid and he won’t be able to hear alarms or someone knocking at the door,” Tony said.
But in a game where sound could be considered vital, Shaun has thrived.
“He has learnt to look over to the coach’s box regularly for messages and he copes well,” Tony said.
Shaun’s 100th game has even greater significance considering the adversities faced earlier in the year.
“He played in a cricket grand final for Berwick that they won but then he fractured his finger. After that he hurt his back, then had to have an operation on his toe that meant he missed the pre-season.
“Because he missed all of the pre-season he was not selected to play in the firsts and was forced to stay down.
“He was heart-broken but he took it on the chin,” Tony said.
But touch-on-wood if all things go to plan, Shaun will be back playing in the first division side for his 100th game.
“Whether he is in the firsts or not, he will be rapt regardless.
“(The club) has been fantastic and it will mean the world to him.”
