When Rodney Brown runs onto the field this weekend it will be a special moment for the Wynnum Vikings’ legend. You see, the man nicknamed ‘Dog’ for his terrier-like on-field qualities will be doing it for the 400th time at senior level.
It’s a remarkable feat; and when you add the number of junior, youth and old boys’ games to the mix you get a staggering 700 plus games of AFL … and an awful lot of dirty socks.
One of 14 children, ‘Dog’ started playing as a 7 year old and over the years has notched up many achievements including Queensland School Boys selection, Brisbane Representative selection and a club Best and Fairest.
He’s also kicked a few goals over the years and was the Division 1 reserves leading goal kicker in 2009.
‘Dog’ played in the days when the Vikings often struggled for numbers – meaning playing on a Saturday was for both the reserves and seniors.
The club has moved a long way since those days, as has ‘Dog’. Not only has he played many years of football, he has also coached the reserves and seniors for almost 10 years.
And finally, perhaps the most remarkable feat of all is that somehow ‘Dog’ managed to find time to marry wife Sam and raise six children during his time with the Vikings.
The club are encouraging friends and fans to head down there this Saturday at 12.00pm to see ‘Dog’ get the boots on one more time followed by a function at the clubhouse after the game.
A worthy tribute to a true local legend of our game.
