By Russell Bennett
Chris Adams has done it all at Nar Nar Goon.
He’s a premiership player, a former captain, a committeeman, and a brilliant mentor of young men.
But – above it all – he’s genuinely one of the nicest people to ever step foot inside Nar Nar Goon’s Spencer Street rooms, and his presence as a player will be terribly missed.
Adams – or Herb as he’s known to his mates, team-mates, and many opponents alike – announced his retirement recently in trademark no-fuss style.
At 35, relatively newly married, and with a young child he knew the time was right.
Of course, his decision was helped by the serious injuries he’d copped over more than 170 senior games at Nar Nar Goon and Berwick.
The most recent of those – a nasty shoulder injury that required surgery – is what drew his 2017 season, and his career, to a premature close.
He’d played four games this year after sustaining the injury in 2016, but had continued to experience difficulty with it.
Nar Nar Goon president Patrick Noonan coached Adams in the Under 15s, and he is left with no doubt whatsoever that he hadn’t changed a bit over the journey.
“He was a genuine footy nut then, and he still is now,” Noonan said of his great mate.
“He’s just soaked it all up.”
Noonan isn’t kidding.
When Adams travelled overseas, he’d take a Sherrin with him. And on the table right in front of him at his wedding – you guessed it – a Sherrin.
Noonan said the Goon would miss the versatile utility who was equal parts hard at it, and classy by foot.
Almost fittingly, he likened him to Bulldogs skipper Bob Murphy.
Noonan said Adams was one of the nicest people he’d met in his time in footy – which dates back to the 1970s.
“He’s just loved by everyone,” he said.
“He’s genuinely a fantastic person who’s always willing to help anyone, and the way he went about his footy is how I want the whole club to.
“If everyone could follow his lead, the club would be in pretty bloody good hands.”
Enjoy your time with your family now Chrissy – you’ve earned it mate.
