MAFFRA Football-Netball Club senior captain Daniel Bedggood played his 250th senior game at the weekend.
In doing so, he became only the second player in the history of the club to reach the milestone.
In all likelihood he will overtake Winston Gieschen’s record of 253 senior games later this year.
In his junior years with the club, Bedggood enjoyed great success, being a member of the 2007 premiers and champions under 16 team (under the coaching of club legend Wayne Butcher, who would go on to coach Bedggood in multiple senior flags) and the 2009 U18s premiership side (coached by Maffra FNC Hall of Fame member Gary Jones).
Graduating to open age football, Bedggood played the opening round of the 2010 season in the reserves, before making his senior debut in the Round 2 clash against Moe.
Under the astute coaching of Graham Robbins (another member of the MFNC Hall of Fame), Bedggood quickly established himself as a regular senior player.
In only his 15th game, he was a member of the side that defeated Drouin to take out the 2010 premiership.
Another premiership followed six years later in the emotion-charged 2016 Grand Final against Leongatha. Bedggood kicked four goals in that decider, including two in the last quarter, to be named among the best players on the day.
A third premiership came when, after being appointed captain in 2018, he led the club to the 2019 premiership in another classic encounter against Leongatha.
Bedggood has been a model of consistency. His 250 senior games have come from a possible 263 appearances. His first 100 came from a possible 106 games, his second 100 from a possible 104 and this latest 50 from a possible 53.
This impressive return comes despite playing the majority of his career as a lead-up key forward.
As a key forward, Bedggood has been a prolific goal scorer for the Eagles.
He has kicked a massive 476 majors and is currently second on the club’s all-time goal kicking list behind only Adrian Burgiel (616).
Bedggood’s output for the club has been significant.
In the decade 2010-19, he enjoyed his own ‘Decade of Dominance’. He played more games than anyone else in the league (196), kicked more goals than anyone else in the league (396), had five top five finishes in the league goal kicking award, played in six Grand Finals (2010, ’12, 2016-19) and won three premierships (2010, ’16, ’19).
Over his career, Bedggood has played in 29 finals – eighth on the Maffra all-time list.
He has also represented the Gippsland League at interleague on three occasions.
As well as all this, he has resisted the temptation to join another club, remaining loyal to Maffra.
An all-round gifted sportsman, Bedggood is also a noted cricketer, having carved many attacks in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association over the years.
*Most words taken from Maffra FNC contribution in the Gippsland League record. With thanks.
