Michael Moylan’s glittering football CV at Officer Football Club reads better than most; premierships in 1995, 1996 and 2002 (as co-captain), a club best and fairest in 2000, five years as the club’s senior captain and inducted as a life member in 2007.
On Saturday, Officer will celebrate the contributions of one of its favourite sons when he dons the blue and white for the 350th time, the first in the club’s storied history to do so.
It’s a long time coming for the champion midfielder, having plied his trade in blue and white for over 30 years from making his senior debut at 16 under Peter Bastinac, with representative stints at Traralgon in the VFL and two years at Gippsland Power interspersed.
His arrival at Rythdale Officer Cardinia (ROC) coincided with a golden run for the club, with the club’s first premierships in 1995 and 1996 under Mick Fogarty and consistent finals appearances throughout the nineties.
He’s seen plenty throughout his journey in football, from the days when you had to keep an eye out for reckless incidents behind the play to the current emphasis on running and fitness, and the evolution of the word ‘spread’.
From Fogarty and Bastinac, to Greg and Ben Tivendale, Steve Purcell and Paul Corrigan, his time at the club intersects many storied names to have graced Starling Road.
But while many things changed over the years, one thing remained a constant; his love for the game, and his club.
“The footy club is a part of my life that has enabled me to make lifelong relationships and shape how you live your life,” Moylan said ahead of his major milestone.
“Football clubs are more like a family.
“A place to meet like-minded people from across the community and different backgrounds, it is enjoyable to meet so many people.”
A star of the region, many made the pitch to Moylan to move clubs.
But nothing could break his loyalty.
“I had some big offers over the years, but as a local person and having played all my life here, why would I ever drive past the local club to play somewhere else?” he said.
“The Officer Football Club has always been an inclusive family-friendly place; I don’t know what I missed out on but loved staying in Officer and at Officer.”
He attributes his longevity to a strict regimen of exercise and restraint, and has no plans to hang up the boots anytime soon, with a significant family milestone in his sights.
“I always found people retiring strange; players want to go out on top and are too often worried about how they are remembered,” he said.
“When you retire it means you stop doing what you love.
“I play because I love it and I am still getting enjoyment out of playing every game.
“My advice to all would be, don’t be in a hurry to hang them up, as you’re a long time retired.
“I still look at myself as being a part of the team.
“Age is irrelevant to football, if you have the desire, put in the work, and keep your performance for the team to a level.
“My son Ethan is in Under 15s at Officer Kangaroos, so to be able to potentially play with him would be pretty special.”
Club president Lachlan Balzary described Moylan as an “amazing” contributor to the club over his more than 30 years of involvement.
“His ability to continue to contribute to our football program is unbelievable, his knowledge of the game and how he educates the next generation of players is outstanding it is like having another coach on the field during games,” Balzary said.
“Mick has always been an amazing servant of the club and is a sounding board for the new committee.
“I have many conversations with Mick about football and committee having been at Officer during our successful times and some hard times.
“Thanks Mick, you are a humble person and your contribution to the club on and off the field is profound.
“Enjoy your 350th.”
Moylan’s 350th game will kick-off at 12.10pm against Emerald in a top-of-the-table clash in Division One’s reserves competition.
The club is hoping that as many of his former teammates, coaches, friends, family and anyone else who has crossed paths with Moylan during his football career can find some time in their schedule to make the trip to Starling Road to cheer Moylan on.
