Jamie Harnwell is the ultimate team man but after a decade of selfless service to Perth Glory he’ll be singled out in a tribute match to recognise his enormous contribution to football in WA.
Jamie Harnwell is the ultimate team man but after a decade of selfless service to Perth Glory he-ll be singled out in a tribute match to recognise his enormous contribution to football in WA.
The former Perth captain boasts two championships, other club awards too numerous to mention and proudly worn the Perth Glory shirt in 209 matches, joining club greats Bobby Despotovski and Scott Miller as the only players to notch a double ton for Perth.
Plucked from Sorrento in the local state ranks in 1998, Harnwell could hardly have imagined a career that spanned 10 years and taken him to the summit of Australian football.
“Glory had a really strong squad and I was very happy to be considered good enough to be part of the side,” a typically humble Harnwell said.
“I was just hoping for an occasional game and now here I am still playing and enjoy my football just as much 10 years later, it has been a fantastic ride and I look forward to many more great times in the years ahead,” said Harnwell.
He rates the club-s back-to-back championships in 2002/03 and 2003/04 as the highlights of his career to date, each special in their own way.
“The first championship was like getting the monkey off the back. There was a huge expectation on us as we-d been to the grand final before but hadn-t taken the big prize and to do it in front of our home crowd at Subiaco against Sydney Olympic was fantastic.
“I scored in that game so that is a great memory as well,” Harnwell said.
“Beating Parramatta the following year was also extremely satisfying because everyone in the east had written us off before the game and we fought it out in tough conditions to again stake our claim as the best side in the country.”
Harnwell has played alongside some of the greats in Australian football and many of his former team mates will pull on the boots again in what is sure to be an entertaining curtain raiser to the testimonial match.
“I did a ring around and it didn-t take any convincing at all, they-re all really keen to get back out there again!” Harnwell said.
“I-m predicting a pretty attacking match and goals galore.”
Glory-s main game against Football West State League Champions Sorrento will pit Harnwell against his brother Todd on the pitch that has so many memories for the siblings.
“I watch Sorrento as much as possible, the whole family is still involved in the club,” Harnwell said.
“I-ve got plenty of good mates down there but I-m not expecting any favours!
“I haven’t played against Todd too many times so that will be great fun.”
When: Saturday, 11 October 2008
Time: first match 1.00pm, second match 3.00pm
Where: Percy Doyle Reserve, Duncraig
Cost: $10 for adults (at the gate), U15 FREE
