Ash 5 began his career at MOCFC as a member of the 2007 U/19’s team after graduating from the school in 2006.

It didn’t take long for Ash’s ability to be recognised within the VAFA and at the club. He had a standout 2008 season, evident from many individual accolades – U/19’s club B&F / 3rd in the league B&F U/19 Premier Division & U/19’s Premier Division Team of the Year 2008. Ash’s leadership, commitment & team first approach was recognised by his peers and subsequently elected captain, taking us to an U/19 Premier Division Semi Final.

The following couple of years Ash was set back with a chronic groin injury and spent quite a number of games on the sidelines. He was rewarded for his persistence and determination to overcome injury and get fit where he made his senior debut in 2010.

Since then he hasn’t looked back, becoming a permanent starter in the senior team. Ongoing hard work, commitment to training and love of the game has seen Asha get his body in great nick and develop into an elite midfield senior VAFA footballer. On the back of yet another huge season in 2015, Ash was deservingly named on the wing in the Premier C Team of the Year. Ash has always lead by example, but this year taken another step — now officially part of the senior leadership group.

On the field, Ash is the complete package. Whether he is on the bottom of packs, flying the flag for his teammates or slotting through goals and being the match winner, we all know the ball is safe when it’s in the hands of Ash.

He never gets beaten in a contest and doesn’t mind a little hang time with the most recent coming in the match against Kew. I also personally don’t think I’ve seen a player give more 3rd, 4th and 5th efforts as much as Ash.

He’s a real tough competitor with plenty of polish, who demonstrates a real team first approach and that’s why we love playing with him – an exemplary teammate.

Not much changes with Ash away from the field. He shows the same care & love for his family as he does for his teammates and a real dedicated approach towards work and personal life just as he does with footy. Qualities that we really value at the club.

I’m sure I speak for everyone who has played alongside you, Ash – It has been an absolute pleasure pulling on the maroon, blue and yellow with you for over 10 seasons of footy. You’re everything I admire in a footballer & teammate and on behalf of everyone at the Club, we wish you all the very best in your milestone game this weekend.

We know you’ll play well, but hope you have a real day out.

Happy 150th mate!

Jono Blanch