By Russell Bennett
THE Garfield footy club said goodbye to two of its favourite sons on Saturday as its 2016 senior season drew to a close.
The Stars’ 23-point loss at Beswick Street to Neerim Neerim South would be the final game in the careers of the inspirational Ben Marsh and key big man Brett Reid.
Marsh, or ‘Moosha’ as he’s known to many, played his 300th game for the Stars last year while Reid notched up his 200th just last week.
Garfield icon John ‘Barrel’ Barnes said both were “great role models on and off the field, who both uphold the values and culture the club builds its reputation and sustainability on”.
Marsh is a three-time premiership player at the Stars and former premiership captain. Barnes said he was one of the best examples of how any footballer should go about his craft, adding he was a fierce competitor who had the full respect of his team mates and opponents.
Similarly to Marsh, Reid is also a former captain and is a double-premiership player since crossing from Pakenham over a decade ago.
Barnes said he’d never forget Marsh’s ability to knock his opponent off the ball and consistently win possession under extreme pressure, while also consistently performing on the finals stage.
Reid played in almost every position on the ground – spending his most recent seasons in the ruck and as a key forward.
Both he and Marsh had great years in the West Gippsland/Latrobe Valley eras, and the club will enter the West Gippsland Football Netball competition from next season.
