Mazenod great to hang up the boots

Mazenod club legend Rob Mann has announced his retirement at season’s end after an incredible journey that began as scoreboard operator as a Year 8 student in 2003, then club water-boy in 2004 before pulling on the boots himself after graduating from Mazenod College at the end of 2007.

“My brother Steve is four years older, so I first got involved with the club when he started playing,” Rob recalls.

“The club means everything to me. I feel like it’s given me more than I’ve given it, even though I’ve given it everything I have. It’s like a second family to me.”

Family has been a constant theme throughout Rob’s 241-game career with the Nodders.

“My parents have been amazing. My Dad has been at just about every game I’ve played. They’ve always encouraged me and have never pushed me. It’s part of why I’ve loved the game.

“I met my wife Molly through the club. Her brother played Under 19s and we met at a club function in 2015. Then, when our women’s program started, I talked her into playing, and she won our Senior Best & Fairest in 2019.”

Rob’s connection to Mazenod was deepened even further by teaching History at the school for a decade.

“A lot of boys I taught over the years are now my team-mates, which has been great. I now teach at Melbourne Grammar, so it’s been good to maintain the connection with my old students and become friends through footy.”

Rob has been a reliable contributor from the moment he walked in the door.

“I’ve been in the Seniors since halfway through that first season, initially as a running half-back/wing type. Then, in the middle phase of my career, I went into the midfield, and in the last couple of years, I’ve been at centre half-back.”

“Rob is a great reader of the game and very competitive; he hates to be beaten,” says current coach Peter Banfield.

“He’s an elite preparer for his games. Stretching, yoga, recovery sessions at the beach.”

“Rob’s desire for team success saw him be instrumental in driving the entire playing list to train harder and perform better,” said club President, Craig Todd.

“I think the only position he hasn’t played is ruck!”

“It’s been good to adapt to different roles as my body has changed,” said Rob, now 35 years of age.

“Fortunately, I’ve had a reasonably good run with injuries. The big ones were a shoulder reco after the 2012 Preliminary Final and then a broken ankle in 2018. Then a few bits and pieces over the years – a torn finger tendon, a broken nose, and a lacerated ear in my 200^th game.”

Rob’s elite status in the competition saw him play 3 games for the Big V.

“In 2010, I played in the Under 21s against Queensland. Then in 2012, I played against the EFL. In 2014, we played Vic Country in Geelong. I really enjoyed competing at a higher level and receiving recognition beyond your club is really appreciated. Those Big V experiences gave me confidence and some great habits to take back to club footy.”

His 17 seasons with the Nodders have delivered all the ups and downs a footy career can offer.

“When I first arrived, we hadn’t won a senior flag since 2000. We played finals in 2011 and ‘12, then one of my favourite memories was winning the Second Semi in 2013 because that got us promoted to B-Grade for the first time in 7 years.

“We lost that Grand Final to Ivanhoe by a goal after being favourites, spent two years in B-Grade before losing some players and being relegated back to C-Grade in 2016. You start to wonder if the chance to win a flag has passed you by.

“But I’m so proud of our 2016 season. We ended up winning the flag and I was fortunate enough to captain the team and win the best & fairest.

“I remember bawling my eyes out on the field after the siren. I wasn’t expecting that physical response at all, but the joy and relief after working so hard and thinking about it so often for 10 years just came out in that moment.”

Rob’s focus has shifted as a veteran in recent years.

“The last little phase has been more about enjoying the growth of others around me. As a result, I’ve probably put less pressure on myself to perform and just focused on enjoying the privilege of being out there.”

“He’s been a great leader for our younger playing group,” said Banfield.

“Always very calm and made good decisions under pressure. I always felt that if Rob played, we had a greater chance of winning. Not that we won every game, but his presence was so important.”

“Footy has given me a sense of identity and purpose that I didn’t understand that it could,” Rob reflects.

“I’m a far more rounded person because of footy. It has taught me about the ‘sum of all parts’ – that teams achieve things, not individuals. I’ve learnt about the importance of building relationships that bond an effective team together. Everyone has a role to play.”

“Rob has backed up his commitment to the club off-field by always being prepared to have a chat with supporters and discuss the day’s game and his own performance. It’s hard to remember when Rob did not attend an after-match function – win, lose or draw,” said Todd.

Rob sees those relationships as the essence of the Mazenod Old Collegians.

“We’re a very inclusive club,” he says. “Everyone has always got along. We have alignment across all teams in our men’s, women’s and all-abilities teams.

“His importance to Mazenod OCFC cannot be understated,” said Todd.

“He’s played hard but always within the spirit of community football. He has not only represented our club with great distinction but also for the VAFA community as a whole.

“He has set standards at Mazenod that the playing list will strive to emulate in the coming years and has represented our stated club values of Respect, Community, Enjoyment and Leadership to the highest degree.”

“I’ve had nine senior coaches and each has contributed in different ways to make me a better player and person,” Rob said. “I’ve had so many great teammates along the journey that have made it so special and worthwhile.”

“Molly has been a huge support and really understands the special place that footy has had in my life. I’m going to miss the competitiveness and the weekly routine of the season that you live your life by. The training sessions, the midweek phone calls to talk tactics with the coach. Pasta on a Friday night. The Saturday morning nerves.

“It’s a ritual and life’s going to be a little strange without it.

“My brother Steve is still running around in the Thirds. He played his 300^th earlier this year and will play in a Grand Final next week. Dad coaches that team.”

Is coaching in Rob’s future?

“Maybe,” he says with a smile. “Our first child is due any day now, so I’m ready for life’s next chapter and it’s important to finish this one the right way. I’ll take a break from footy, but having enjoyed coaching school sport, I might end up getting involved again down the track.”

The Nodders would be lucky to have you back, Rob.

From everyone across the VAFA community, congratulations on an incredible career and enjoy your last few games.