By DAVID NAGEL
JUST when we thought a huge round of the South East Football Netball League couldn’t get any bigger, former Fremantle and St Kilda star Heath Black has thrown further fuel on the fire by announcing he will make his debut for Narre Warren on Saturday.
In his debut season as coach of the side, Black has taken the Magpies to a 4-1 record and second place on the ladder. And the one team that stands between the Magpies and top place in SEFNL, reigning champions Berwick, will be his first opponent.
The 36-year-old said the time was right to join his team in the thick of the action at Edwin Flack Reserve on Saturday.
“Why not do it against the best team in the competition, the body feels good, I’ve been training hard, and I’m really excited about the weekend,” Black said.
“I’m looking to add some on-field leadership to the group, but I won’t be a passenger, I’ll be out there to contribute and play my role.”
In his prime, Black was a star of the AFL, playing 192 games and playing International Rules for Australia in 2005. He is known for his damaging left foot, which kicked 80 goals in his AFL career.
So is this a permanent comeback?
“I wouldn’t have thought so, I’d say I’ll play cameo roles throughout the year, but we’ll see how the body pulls up,” Black said.
Black’s inclusion adds another element to an already dynamic round of football, where former Carlton star Brendan Fevola will play a one-of game for Doveton against Cranbourne on Saturday night.
Grab a copy of this week’s Pakenham-Berwick Gazette for a full round preview.
