James Webster knows it won’t last forever.
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The grand final streak, the multiple premierships and the swag full of individual accolades.
But approaching Saturday’s Black Diamond AFL decider against Newcastle City at No.1 Sportsground, the Terrigal Avoca captain is keen to keep enjoying the ride.
“It’s been an absolute cracker,” Webster told the Newcastle Herald.
“A pretty successful period with a very good bunch of guys. I’d like to see the club in 10 years time because it’s a special place to be at the moment.
“You’ve just got to lap it up and enjoy the ride because it won’t last forever. It could all swing around at any stage.”
You’ve just got to lap it up and enjoy the ride because it won’t last forever.”
- Terrigal Avoca captain James Webster
The 26-year-old electrician, born and bred in Tasmania who now lives in the Central Coast suburb of Yattalunga, joined the Terrigal Avoca club in 2013 after a three-season period bouncing between Greater Western Sydney in the TAC Cup, the Essendon Bombers rookie list and Brisbane NEAFL side Redlands.
Since his arrival at the Panthers, Webster hasn’t missed a grand final as the club approaches seven straight appearances in the annual top-grade showdown.
To his name he has three major premierships (2014, 2015, 2017), three consecutive Elliott Davey Medals for the competition’s best and fairest player (2013, 2014, 2015) and two McBain Medals for best on ground in the grand final (2015, 2017).
Last week Webster added a new gong to his impressive collection, receiving the Coaches’ MVP award at the 2018 Black Diamond AFL presentation.
“It was the first time I’d won that one,” he said.
“Even though it’s only been going for two years I was pretty stoked because it gets voted on by all of the coaches.”
Webster believes this current Terrigal Avoca squad, which has welcomed back the likes of veterans Mark Skuse and Peter Van Dam during the campaign, was the most “consistent” across the board he can recall.
“I think this year is the best 22 we’ve had,” he said.
“In the past we’ve had 10 or 15 really strong players and you’ve got to make up the last five or six spots, but now you could just about pick anyone in reserves to stand up and do a job. There’s good depth and everyone is pretty pumped for this weekend.”
