From zero to hero

By David Nagel
WHEN Narre Warren reserves player Jamie Tapner made a crucial error in the last quarter of Saturday’s grand final against Cranbourne, his dad Mark just rolled his eyes.
Mark is team manager and no matter how much it hurt to watch his son suffering, he knew he had an extended family of boys to take care of – and he had to stay composed.
Shortly after, the match ended in a draw and extra time was needed.
In the immortal words of the late Allan Jeans, Jamie Tapner had two choices: “You either step up or you step down.”
He stepped up.
Two goals in extra time – including a magnificent team-lifting running goal – turned Tapner from villain to hero. His already proud father felt even prouder.
“I’m very proud of him, he could have disappeared after that mistake,” Mark said.
“He was very good in extra time, when we needed blokes to stand up.
“He ended up doing the right thing, very proud.”
For the younger Tapner, having his dad involved made it the perfect day.
“This is the best feeling ever, it means everything having dad involved, my brother was in the team until he got injured early in the year, that’s the only downside,” Tapner said.
“I’ve never felt anything like what I’m feeling right now.
“It’s the best feeling ever.
“I’m just glad I got the chance to make amends.”