By Bruno Visentini
Coburg Lions midfielder Braedyn Gillard will log a significant milestone on Friday night when he plays his 50th VFL game against Frankston at Kinetic Stadium.
Gillard joined the club ahead of the 2019 season after playing under 18s footy for the Northern Knights and spent his junior days with Montmorency in the Northern Football Netball League. He managed four games in his first season and after the 2020 season was cancelled, he came back to play seven games before the 2021 season was cut short.
In 2022 Gillard solidified his place in the team, playing in all 18 matches for the season where he managed to place third in the clubs Best and Fairest award. He continued that form into 2023 where he played 17 of a possible 18 games. This year he’s played in all three matches for the Lions where he’s averaged 15.6 disposals and 4.3 marks per game and last week kicked an equal career best 2 goals in the drought breaking win over Collingwood.
The 24 year old’s VFL career, which has also included 18 goals across his first 49 games in the red and blue, has been a very consistent one so far that many would be happy to see continue at Piranha Park. Senior Coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara had great things to say about Gillard, especially in terms of his recent work. “50 games is a super achievement so early in his career. I’ve been really impressed with the growth in Gilly across these past 12 months.” he said, “He’s done a huge amount of work on his physical preparation and is now bearing the rewards of that with a really strong start to the season.”
Captain Jesse Corigliano had a similarly impressive things to say about his teammate. “I’m very proud of the player Gil has become, he didn’t have anything handed to him and has displayed a huge amount of resilience and hard work to be the integral component of our team that he is today. He’s a great teammate, always happy for other people’s success and is super selfless in his willingness to play any role for the team, even if it’s sacrificing his individual statistical output.
“He’s just as great a teammate off the field, always a heap of fun and is a huge reason as to why Coburg has such a strong culture. It feels like he has played a lot more than 50 games which is a testament to his importance and I can’t imagine Coburg without Gil and his family’s presence. I’m very fortunate to call him a great friend and can’t wait to run out with him on Friday night.”
As for the milestone man himself, he explained how much it meant to him to get to play 50 games for Coburg. “I’ve loved my time at Coburg from the time I arrived. There’s been a lot of turnover at the club during my time here, so I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a lot of people and make a lot of really close mates.
“There’ve been a lot of memorable moments that I’ve had along the way with the win last week being one of them. I’m confident there’s a lot more wins to come and I’m really excited for the future of the club. I feel like the club is probably in the best position it’s been since I’ve been here.”
He also expressed appreciation for the staff and coaches that have been a part of the club during his time. “Seb and Sturg did a lot for me during my first few years at the club and I really appreciate the foundation they set for us to have a crack at success in the future. Then Jamie and Jez for the last couple of years for really driving us in terms of standards and professionalism which is starting to show now.
Finally, he thanked those closest to him for their support over the years. “Shout out to mum and dad for all they’ve done, they’ve been my biggest supporters and I appreciate it so much. And of course my girlfriend Alex for everything she’s done as well, and for putting up with my bad moods after every game we lose.”
Fans hoping to see Braedyn’s 50th game can get down to Kinetic Stadium in Frankston at 7:35pm on Friday night as the Lions attempt to win back to back games for the first time since 2016. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.intix.com.au/event/frankston-vs-coburg or at the gate.
