Goal milestone

By Kath Gannaway
VINCENT Muccitelli was the toast of the Warburton-Millgrove Football Club on Saturday night after the 39-year-old playing coach kicked his 100th goal for the season.
And, despite the fact it is Muccitelli’s third 100 goal milestone in a career which has so far spanned 19 years, premierships, awards and accolades, he said the moment was one he’ll never forget.
“It’s pretty special… a great thrill,” he told the Mail.
He said that achieving the 100 in just 10 matches was particularly satisfying.
The goal was the sixth of Muccitelli’s seven in the Burras’ clash with Yarra Glen and made him the first Victorian Country Football League player to reach the magic 100 this season and only the second player in Warburton’s long history to kick a ton in one season.
VCFL spokesman Graeme Allen described Muccitelli’s 100 so early in the season as “a magnificent effort”.
He said although records aren’t held at VCFL level which would establish whether it was the fastest 100 kicked in a season, there is no doubt in his mind it would be right up there as a chance.
Warburton-Millgrove Football Club president Rodney Woods said it was a fantastic achievement for Muccitelli and for the club.
“It’s only the second 100 for the club (John ‘Puddles’ Purdy kicked the club’s first 100 in 1979) and something like this really spurs the team on,” he said.
“We’re not sure if it is the quickest century in a season but to average 10 goals a match just over halfway through the season is very unusual,” he said.
“It was a bit of a shame it wasn’t at home, but it was just great to see,” he told the Mail.
“The players were straight in to congratulate him.
“Some of the supporters ran onto the ground and all the umpires added their congratulations. It was good fun and well deserved.”
Mr Woods said Muccitelli was recruited by the club last year and his achievement was one which the entire club could celebrate because of the way it was reached.
“He doesn’t care who kicks goals, as long as they get kicked,” he said.
“He spurs the team on; he’s an inspiration,” he added.
John ‘Puddles’ Purdy, the first player to kick 100 for the Burra’s in 1979, was on hand to shake Muccitelli’s hand on Saturday.
“I was tremendously pleased for him,” he said. “It brought back memories of an absolute highlight of my life.
“I know the position he’s in. He’ll be still grinning this morning and in 25 years time people will still remember it and they’ll remind him of it too. It’s good. A really good feeling.”
Mr Purdy, who is postmaster at Yarra Junction Post Office, said he is looking forward to Muccitelli going on to kick a record for the club before the season is out.
While there’s an excellent chance Muccitelli will reach 150 for the season, and speculation of 200, the coach says it’s not a priority.
“What we’re doing now is working towards winning a premiership.
“At the end of the day, anyone who plays football would sacrifice goals for a premiership.”