200 SENIOR GAMES
This week one of the favourite sons of the Lilydale Football Club plays his 200th senior game with the club when he runs out against Norwood. James Munro or “Munners” as he is affectionately known, who is now a fit 31 years of age, began his career at Lilydale way back in 1991 in the Under 12 side when he was only 9 which gives you an idea of the football potential he possessed. James went on to play over 150 Junior games with the figure probably closer to 170. The most pleasing moment was playing in the Under 16 Premiership Side which defeated South Croydon under the coaching of John Higgins. James was best on ground for the Dales that day as they came from behind to win the flag. Playing that day were blokes like John Pompei, Daniel Toohey and Dave Palmucci who went on to play senior football with James at Lilydale.He also played Junior and Senior football with Stephen Cruickshank and Jarrod Hill the former poised to play his 150th Senior game in the last round of the 2013 season.
James has been recognised for his leadership qualities and skills with many honours since joining the Dales. He was vice-captain of the Under 16s premiership side in 1998, joint-captain of the Reserves in 2011 and is captain in 2013. He was the recognised as the best under 21 player at the club in his first senior year. He has won Best and Fairest Awards in the Juniors and Reserves and was 3rd in the EFL Reserves in 2nd Division in the 2011 season. He says one of the highlights of his career was his first senior game when he snagged a goal with his first kick. He also treasures the Under 16 premiership as one of the other most memorable moment in his career.
James says he has seen some great footballers in his time at Lilydale including Sean Ellis, Sean Toohey, David Jackson, Steve McDonald, Marcus Kenny, Noel Davey, Daniel Breese and Caillin Porter to name a few. The biggest influences on his career were Sean Ellis and Warren Cruse when he first played in the Seniors as well as Anthony Simmons, the Cruickshank family along with his parents who have always been very supportive of his football endeavours.
Some interesting little traits about James are that he always likes to wear a favourite pair of underwear when playing and runs out with his socks up but pulls them down once the game commences. His favourite food is lasagne and he now follows Geelong with the demise of his beloved Fitzroy. He says the reason he has always played his football at Lilydale is the people. The players, supporters and staff who support the club in every way. James says it's a great feeling to see the same people that have been supporting the club for years every Saturday at the games and in the rooms. That's why he still loves playing football with Lilydale. He is not sure how much longer he will play but reckons he may have another 5 seasons left in him.
Everyone at the Lilydale Football Club from the President Graham Reynolds to supporters and sponsors congratulate James on the achievement of this wonderful milestone and hope he does indeed play on for another 5 seasons. It is truly well deserved by a terrific bloke and a very talented player who has given 23 years of dedicated service to the club.