LUCAS JELLYMAN TURNER – 100 GAMES

By Matt Fotia

Berwick Football Club’s acting captain Lucas Jellyman-Turner celebrated his 100th game for the senior side on the weekend, as his side claimed the Premier Division minor premiership, defeating Narre Warren by 32 points away from home.

The Wickers number two, who provides strong drive with his long, direct kicking and calm head off the half back flank for the top of the table side, has been at the club for a number years, beginning as a junior, after moving to Australia from New Zealand as a 10 year old.

Jellyman-Turner made the transition from junior club to senior club in 2014, debuting in the under 19’s. He went on to make nine appearances in Berwick’s senior side during the 2014 season and hasn’t looked back since.

Aged just 18, Jellyman-Turner was named best afield in the Wickers 2015 SEFNL Premiership and has been an integral part of this strong Berwick outfit, who have made the Grand Final each of the last four years, winning all bar the 2016 premiership, and look set to reach the final day of the season again in 2019.

The occasional midfielder was made vice captain of the Berwick senior side for 2019, but assumed the captaincy halfway through the first quarter of the season opener – also against Narre Warren – with both of Berwick’s co-captains having suffered season ending injuries by that early stage of the year.

He’s taken it all his stride however, being named in the best players on seven occasions  this season with his best performance against local rivals Beaconsfield back in round four. He has booted three goals as well in 2019.

Berwick Football Club President Glenn Gambetta says that Jellyman-Turner is a well respected member and leader of the Berwick Football Club, with his strong work ethic something to be admired.

Gambetta also mentioned Jellyman-Turner’s admiration for the All Blacks – New Zealand’s all conquering Rugby Union side – and their well renown culture, which preaches that players keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, and give back to those who support them, something Jellyman-Turner strives to recreate around the Berwick change-room.

Jellyman-Turner gets a kick away v Wandin. Photo- BH Photography