Sue, Jayden and Wayne Pitts celebrating Jayden’s 200th senior game.
Two of the Deni Rams’ footballers ran out in the final home and away round of the season against Cobram with big things to prove on Saturday.
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It was the 200th senior club game for both Ben Nesbit and Jayden Pitts.
As loyal servants for more than a decade, the club showed their appreciation for the commitment by also honouring them with life memberships.
Jayden became the third generation of the Pitts family to have been bestowed the honour as a result. His father Wayne and grandfather Cyril came before him.
While his focus is now on the finals, Jayden said it was nice to pause for a moment and celebrate the milestone.
“It’s such an honour to follow in my father and grandfathers’ footsteps,” he said.
“I love the club and I’m so glad we are back in finals, and my focus is now on them”.
Pulling on the yellow and blue jersey as a junior for the first time in 2005, Jayden played as a key forward, but has transitioned to a key defender.
He made his senior debut as an under-17s player in 2009.
“Over the years he has mentored our juniors and is currently the assistant coach of the under-17 side, passing on his knowledge, skills and passion,” Jayden’s citation read.
“Coaching has been a real eye opener for me,” Jayden said.
“ I have found it has helped my footy greatly. I am thinking more about the game rather than relying on instinct”.
Ben Nesbit (third from left) with grandfather and fellow life member Brian Gibbs, his mother Sue, his partner Alex Russell, holding their son Rocky.
Ben is a second generation life member, joining grandfather Brian Gibbs on the prestigious list.
Ben donned the blue and gold for the first time in 2010 in the under-17s competition, and made his reserves debut in the same year.
“In 2011 he featured in both the senior and reserves teams and currently he is co-coach of the reserves and splits his time between the two grades,” his citation read.
Extremely proud of his milestones, Ben described Saturday as “a huge honour”.
“I was so proud to have my family there, especially my grandparents who travelled from Cohuna,” he said.
“It’s a shame we didn’t come away with the win, but we thoroughly deserve to be in the finals and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the club and the players for everything they have done for me over the years. It’s an incredible club with the best people.”
Ben’s senior games are nicely split down the middle, with Saturday marking his 100th as a member of the senior squad. His other 100 games were for reserves.
Putting his coaching cap on, Ben said he was so proud of how the younger brigade have slotted into the reserves.
“They fit in really well at the club and bring a lot of energy to the side.”
He is also hoping for a very strong performance from them come finals.
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