Pat joins the 200 club

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens premiership defender Patrick Giuffreda was destined to join SANFL’s 200 Club.

As Giuffreda prepares to play his 200th Statewide Super League game against West on Saturday, it is his single-minded dedication to his beloved Eagles which defines his character.

The 33-year-old is in fact closing in on his 300th game for the club since starting in the Under-17s in 2004, before making his League debut in Round 13 of 2007.

And there is no better example of the dual premiership backman’s commitment to his club than the Monday night after Round 6.

After supporting his partner Melanie in giving birth to their third child, Freya, Giuffreda turned up at a recovery session just hours later, much to the surprise of coach Jade Sheedy.

But it was no surprise when Giuffreda nominated last year’s 2020 League premiership as being extra special to him, given how much he heartache had been through since winning a medallion in 2011.

The Eagles are clearly like a family to the Woodville South product, who aims to continue taking his career ”one year at a time” now that he’s closing in on his 34th birthday.

Amazing effort in this day and age to make it to 200 League games. Dual premiership player, club captain and now SANFL Life Member with 200 games. Has built his game on his strengths, speed and desire. Has sured up his disposal and is good enough to play on talls, smalls or help out as the extra number at the contest. An intelligent, cool head in the backline who rarely gets beaten. Well done Pat Giuffreda.