In memory of...

Vags' 350th

On Saturday August 17th 2006, during round 17 against Payneham Norwood Union, John Vagnerelli managed to reach the magical 350-game mark for his career. It was a magnificent effort for a man who's had some great moments in his career. Here are some extracts from the week's Dropkick paying tribute to Vags...

"Today marks the greatest milestone reached by any Old Ignatian in the club’s esteemed history.  As Johnny Vagnarelli, from the class of ’82, laces his boots up for the 350th time today, we must all marvel at the longevity of a career that has spanned 3 decades, two wall-street crashes, 11 Destructos and 3 Frinsdorfs!

So as Vags runs out onto Hunter Park today, let us pay tribute to a guy whose achievements will only be bettered by Lepp, who reckons he’ll be playing till he’s 50 – although at the current rate, he would have only racked up 200 by that stage…"

“350 games – that’s like 700 training sessions!”
Carry

“Apart from being the club's record games holder, and one of the few who played in the 5 consecutive B grade premierships (including winning the B&F in probably the stiffest competition of 96), the thing that really singles out Vags from the rest of us is how much he must love playing footy. There's no other explanation for him to still be playing at 41, with not the trimmest of physiques, a busy job that involves travel and family commitments (although Ruth can take some of the credit for supporting him). Football must be up there with food, wine and sharing witty anecdotes in the Vagnarelli list of passions.  He is a man who is as egalitarian as they come - the son of an Italian migrant and former diesel mechanic with Commonwealth Railways who is equally at home dining at the Adelaide Club as he is on a Destructo. He has taught me everything I know about watering ovals and is one of the reasons I too love playing for OIFC.”
Cliffy

“Having watched a few AFL games lately he is definitely from a past era, and unsuitable for the modern game. On numerous occasions I recall him turning towards the centre and bombing it(the ball) long to a full forward, often Brad, who would mark it.
As a club stalwart he'd be unsurpassed, and even shamed me into playing one year by telling me how much Tassie loved the club.
And now he even cuts the f$%ng oval! Priceless.”
Kek

Vags had to wait 350 games before realising his life-long dream: a tap on the arse by Dave Brown...

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