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Picketts create historic event

By Mr Dandalooa

It was history in the making.

Something footy punters have romanced about all season.

The sheer thought of the evergreen Allistair Pickett and his son Alliston creating history by being the first father son combination to play league football together at WAFL level. 

It did happen recently, when Subiaco took on South Fremantle in the Charlie Tyson “Big Boots” clash at Medibank Stadium.

It is thought to be the first time a father and son have been selected to play at state league level anywhere in Australia.

Alistair, who turns 37 later this year and is the oldest player in the WAFL competition, contemplated retirement at the end of 2009.

Alliston, also known as Buddy, is 20 years his junior and has progressed through the Colts and Reserves this season.

Subiaco Coach Chris Waterman said the club’s performances in recent weeks have highlighted the need for a crumbing forward and Buddy has shown that he has the attributes to succeed in that role. 

“Buddy started with the Colts this year and while we flirted with this scenario some weeks back it was decided to groom Buddy through the Reserves,” he said.

“I understand that that the football pundits will have an opinion on this but the simple fact is we need a player to fulfill this role”.

Waterman said you could never be sure when it’s the right time to bring up a young player. 

“Buddy is unfazed by the challenge of playing league football and as you would expect he is excited about the opportunity to play alongside his father,” he said.

It was a special day for Alilistair, who said it was a dream come true .

“This day will be something special to both of us, but when we cross the white line he will no longer be my little boy and it is important that we both do our job for the team,” he said before the game.

This will surely rate up there with Allistair’s two Sandover medals, 4 premiership medals, being a member of the Subiaco’s Team of the Century, being a SFC Life Member, state representative and may other achievements.

Subiaco’s Football Manager Luke Sanders said it was a historic day for the club and it is fitting that Buddy made his debut on a day that is a District celebration at the WAFL game. 

Buddy came through the Northern Cobras JFC and he is a role model within his junior club and local community.

To find out the victor, well, you should have been at the game.