By Grant Hitzman
North Lakes Eels juniors, Cooper Olive and Daniel Thompson, made club history as the first players to reach 50 games.
The pint sized duo, who both joined the club as foundation members in 2009 after playing Auskick , received special 50-game medallions as recognition of their milestones.
After spending more than three years with North Lakes, the keen youngsters were treated to a special day to celebrate their efforts, something that Cooper’s dad, Marcus Olive, said meant a lot to his son.
“Cooper got his medallion just before the school holidays, he had his own banner and was captain for the day, it was really special,” he said.
“He was absolutely stoked because he had no idea it was happening. it was a real surprise.
“He still talks about that day now, I think it gave him some real motivation to keep working hard at his footy. His level of commitment has definitely improved.”
Olive said the boys’ start in after-school Auskick was where they fell in love with the sport.
“Cooper enjoyed it so much and I think it’s part of the reason he wanted to join a club,” Olive said.
“The AFL does an excellent job and getting the Lions players involved in these sort of things is fantastic for the kids.”
Cooper and Daniel will continue to play footy for the Eels in the U10 competition throughout the remainder of 2013.
