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WAFL 2022: West Perth midfielder Shane Nelson eyes a second premiership ahead of 200th game for Falcons

Headshot of Mitchell Woodcock
Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Shane Nelson will play his 200th game for West Perth against Claremont on Saturday.
Camera IconShane Nelson will play his 200th game for West Perth against Claremont on Saturday. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

West Perth’s Shane Nelson is the definition of consistency in the WAFL.

The statistics speak for themselves. He averages a remarkable 30 disposals in 199 league games for the Falcons over more than a decade.

Nelson has grown up at the club since arriving in 2010 when he first showcased his talent by winning the colts fairest and best.

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He’s gone on to become a star of the competition, winning four Breckler Medals as the league fairest and best and representing WA five times in a remarkable career.

“It’s a massive honour to be the 23rd player to reach the milestone in the club’s history, when you consider how long the club’s been around, it’s something I hold close to my heart,” Nelson, who will play his 200th game against Claremont on Saturday, said.

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“They’ve given me a lot, supported me through the most difficult times of my life, with my old man passing away (in 2012) at a young age when I was coming through the ranks.

“I’ve loved the club, it’s got a great culture and to be a one-club player is something I’m proud of.”

The table-topping Falcons are in a strong position to win their first premiership since 2013, with only fellow Nelson as well as fellow midfielders Mark Hutchings and Aaron Black still playing from the side.

Shane Nelson back in 2013, his second year of league football at West Perth.
Camera IconShane Nelson back in 2013, his second year of league football at West Perth. Credit: Ben Crabtree/WA News

“It was such an eye-opening experience and I look back now to realise just how hard it is to actually win one,” Nelson said.

“When you win one at the age of 20 you think you’re in for a great ride to win plenty more, but here I am at 29, almost 10 years later, yet to taste it again.

“Certainly looking back, I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I should’ve.”

Shane Nelson averages a whopping 30 disposals in 199 games.
Camera IconShane Nelson averages a whopping 30 disposals in 199 games. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

There are no signs of slowing down for Nelson, who is arguably in career-best form and one of the favourites to win this year’s Sandover Medal.

He said there were no secrets to his incredible longevity and consistency.

“I just love being down at the club, being around the lads and playing footy and trying to taste success,” he said.

“That’s what keeps me going, to be able to compete against the best players each week ... hopefully I’ve still got a lot of time left.

“It obviously takes up a lot of your life, but when you get inside the four walls and you’re around your best mates every day of the week, the enjoyment and excitement it brings to your life is great.”

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