One of UNSW/ES Bulldogs most likeable players, Ed Kiel is set to notch one of the most important milestones in his career, his 200th game for the club at Gore Hill Oval this weekend.
An East Sydney Bulldogs junior product, his career has included him being a member of two Premierships teams; the 2005 Reserves team and the Premier Division team in 2012 although a late season ending lacerated kidney saw him miss playing in the finals.
Rhys McAlister, the 2012 Premiership coach and player said that although Eddie missed out on playing in the Grand Final, it was his contribution throughout the season that helped get the team there.
"Our success wasn't only built on hard work and talent. It was built on the back of an amazing culture of mateship. One of the key drivers of this culture was Eddie. His love for his Club and his team mates was infectious and without Ed's contribution throughout the course of 2012 and particularly on Grand Final day, we would have had a significantly harder task of achieving our success."
A reputation which has preceded him across the years he’s played football, Terry Mudge, former UNSW/ES Coach said Eddie is the 'ultimate club man' and has been ever since he came through the junior ranks.
"As a footballer Ed is fully committed to the cause, plays straight ahead with his head over the ball and has developed great skills, particularly with his speed.
"He has been snipped at by a few clubs over the years but has never left the Bulldogs over his 200 games of football. It’s a testament to the kind of man he is, and is exactly who you would want at your club."
One of the men who know him best, Max Collett, a former UNSW/ES Bulldogs multiple best & fairest winner, has been friends with Eddie since junior football and played many years at the club together.
"I was fortunate enough to have played footy with Eddie my whole senior career. Being mates since junior footy, he’s always gone out of his way to look after me on the field and I probably owe about 99% of my possessions to Eddie giving me the ball when I couldn’t win it myself."
"For mine, that’s his greatest quality – a selfless player for a club that he loves, who enjoys nothing more than getting around the boys and ripping in every game that he plays.
"He’s the spiritual leader down at the club and there’s not a player at UNSW/ES that wouldn’t want Eddie in their team every week."
Eddie will take to the field this Saturday against North Shore, his third milestone of the year, having recently celebrated both his 30th birthday and his engagement with fiancée Nicky.
Last Modified on 08/04/2016 10:36