Before the new Northern Football League season kicks off on the 9th of April, I had the chance to have a chat with recently retired Collingwood star, and West Preston’s newest recruit Simon Prestigiacomo. He gave his thoughts on retiring from the AFL at the end of last season, what it was like having to famously pull out of the Grand Final, his favorite moments over the course of his illustrious career, and going back to where it all began this season.
The first thing I wanted to know, was if since his retirement “Presti” had been able to sit back and reflect on his career as one of the best Full-Back’s of the last decade. He said that he hadn’t really looked back at it all yet, but it’s obviously something he’ll do in the future. However Prestigiacomo said that the chance he had to speak at Collingwood’s Copeland Trophy Night was a thrill, as it gave him the chance to thank all his players, coaches and all the other people that had helped him over his 233 game career.
The topic then turned to his heartbreaking withdrawal from Collingwood’s Grand Final side last season, as a result of a groin injury picked up in a training session, on the Wednesday of Grand Final week.
“I lost a lot of sleep over it…I was hoping it would get better, but it got worse over the week.”
“It was one of the toughest things I ever had to do…”
It was a cruel blow to a player that had earned a cult-status with the Magpie Army, someone who embodied everything that Collingwood stands for, hard-work, dedication and commitment to the cause. I must say, having had the pleasure of watching “Presti” go toe-to-toe with the greatest forward’s of the last decade, I was relishing seeing him finally collect that elusive Premiership Medallion. But it wasn’t to be.
We then spoke about his most treasured memories over his career in the Black and White. In spite of the way they turned out, Prestigiacomo immediately spoke about the build-up and taking the field in Collingwood’s back-to-back Grand Finals in 2002 and 2003. Although the matches obviously didn’t turn out the way Prestigiacomo and his Magpies would’ve hoped, it was easy to hear the pride in his voice, as he looked back nostalgically at a great run by the Magpies.
When asked about the prospect of playing in the Northern Football League this season, where he played as a junior, Presti was refreshingly honest.
“I wasn’t planning on playing again this year…but Anthony Rocca got into my ear a little…now I’m looking forward to it. Playing back on the same grounds I played as a kid…with old friends again…I’m really enjoying it.”
He was clearly relishing the chance to get back amongst the NFL – a league that honored him by naming it’s Under 15 Best and Fairest Award in his name – and is looking forward to getting back to just enjoying playing again.
Prestigiacomo was also very impressed with what he’s seen of new club, West Preston, as they embark on their quest to win back-to-back Premierships.
“They’ll been training well, look really focused…they really know how to play together.”
Presti and new teammate, Anthony Rocca, are working hard to fit into the group and learn how the team plays, but I’m sure it will be something he’ll have no trouble with.
One of his closing comments really stood out to me, saying that he’s enjoying “playing for fun (and) getting back to why you start playing as a kid…” something that we sometimes lose sight of in today’s media-driven AFL climate.
Simon Prestigiacomo was a beloved player,and ultimate clubman during his time with the AFL. He is regarded as one of the greatest Full Back’s of the modern era. He’ll be an asset to the Northern Football League this year; not just for his great play, but also for the way he goes about his football. He was always seen by many, as one of the “good guys” in the AFL, a sentiment that rung true during our quick chat.
So do yourself a favor this year, get around the grounds and take the chance to watch one of the greats in action, before he hangs up his boots for good.
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