By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos two premierships on Saturday had a real Cuffe feel to them.
One of the club’s most important families, the Cuffe’s were among the thick of the action during the Essendon District Football League division 2 grand finals.
Local football legend Jamie Cuffe played in the reserves premiership with two of his son’s Dylan and Braydan Cuffe.
Eldest son Tierone Cuffe was then a key in the seniors premiership.
Mum and wife Rachel Cuffe was on the sidelines for both games as a trainer. Both Rachel and Jamie are on the club’s committee.
The reserves premiership win, means Jamie has played in premierships with all three sons. Jamie and Tierone played in the Kangaroos first senior premiership in 2012.
Jamie said it was a pretty special day to play with his two youngest sons.
“It’s pretty good,” he said.
“I enjoyed the idea of it and to see it come to fruition is really good.
“It was exciting and nerve-wracking about how everyone would play.
“It’s awesome to have them all contribute, they all played pretty well.”
Despite doubling the age of several of his teammates at the age of 47, it was Jamie that was awarded best on ground medal. He was also best on ground in the Kangaroos’ 2012 premiership.
Cuffe said it was just a normal performance from himself.
“I thought I went okay,” he said.
“I heard people saying before I came off that I might be up for it. I thought Anthony Leonard played really well today, him and I worked together out of the middle.”
The premiership is Cuffe’s fourth at senior level, having been part of Keilor’s A-grade premierships in 2000 and 2001.
While most of Jamie’s teammates celebrated the reserves win while watching the seniors, Jamie was back on the field running water for the seniors.
“It was about doing the team things. It’s about being part of a club and that’s what this club is about. I help out where I can.”
He was a proud father was Tierone was part of the senior team that claimed the premiership.
Jamie said Tierone continued to take steps with his football.
“It’s important for him as well,” he said.
“It’s good to see him keep achieving goals and getting the grand final.
“Hopefully it’s onto bigger and better things for next year in a higher division.”
Jamie, who has retired ‘a couple of times’ said he would look to go again next season.
He said he was unsure how many games he had played, but estimated it was somewhere between 400 and 500.
“I’ll go again, why not,” he said.
“The kids will keep going, so I’ll keep going.
“I’m waiting for them to have kids so I can play with grandkids.”
MORE EDFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/victory-just-sweet-second-time-around-gregory/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/joy-for-cuffe-family/
