Age not an issue for decorated Tiger

Railways veteran Scott Hillman will become the first player in his club’s history to reach 300 league games when the wiry left-footer lines up against Denmark-Walpole at Tigerland on Saturday afternoon.

Hillman, one of the greatest ever Tigers, has enjoyed a decorated career in the game which includes winning the 2007 Kleemann Medal, five fairest and best awards with the Tigers and captaining their league side for 11 straight seasons from 1999.

He is also a life member of the Railways Football Club and last year played his 350th league match in the Great Southern Football League after previous stints at South Mt Barker and North Albany in his younger days.

Hillman’s significant milestone will come at the ripe age of 41 and he said the achievement was something of which he was proud.

“It is a big thing; you don’t try and play for milestones,” Hillman said.

“I just go game by game and try and play the best footy I can. I have always had the passion and just love playing footy.” Hillman said despite his age, he was feeling fresh and not ready to give the game away just yet.

“My body is holding up really well,” he said.

“I have always said, once you step across that line you are all the same age, doesn’t matter whether you are 16 or 41.”

Tigers coach Wayne Stubber said the match carried significant importance for his club.

“It is a really important game for our club,” he said.

“First of all, to get the four points and for Scotty to play 300 games is a massive achievement.”

The defending premiers will be without defender Michael Parker while fellow veteran Michael Cramer is unlikely to come up for the game, but Stubber was confident his side would be raring to go.

“I think we have had a lot of guys down on form,” he said.

“But hopefully after the last three quarters against the Sharks, they got their hands on the ball and got some confidence and will lift for the big occasion.”

Magpies coach James McRae said his side would continue to improve each week.

“We’re improving, there is no doubt about that,” he said.

“We know when we control the footy we are a very good side.

“At times last week, we got control of North Albany but we were unable to sustain it and that’s what we need to do, sustain it for four quarters.”

The Magpies will welcome back midfielder Simon Barker and Jesse D’Sylva and Sam Morgan for the round 5 clash.

North Albany host Royals in a top of the table blockbuster and Mt Barker meet Albany at Frost Park, with both games on Saturday.