JARRAD ‘Maso’ Mason ran out for the Stanhope Football Club last Saturday for his 300th time playing in the Stanhope colours of maroon and gold for the round one kick-off against Merrigum.
This extremely talented midfielder started playing with Stanhope under 12s when he was just eight years old, now thirty-two years later, his distinguished football career extends throughout the Goulburn Valley.
In total ‘Maso’ has played over 400 games of football in the seniors, reserves and thirds divisions, and Stanhope hasn’t been the only club to get their hands on some ‘Maso Magic’. Other clubs include Tongala, Tatura, Colbinabbin, Shepparton East and Congupna.
The number nine player and dedicated Hawthorn supporter was inspired by the famous Shane Crawford growing up, and mentioned that when he was a kid, he wanted to be just like him. Also motivating him from an early age were his brothers, Chris, Damian and Steven, who he remembers watching eagerly from the sidelines.
When asked what his most memorable football moments over his career were, he spoke about a recollection of incredible memories which included winning premiership flags with Stanhope and Shepparton East but added that some of the biggest highlights for him were the friendships that were formed, and mates that were made for life along the way.
“I can’t believe I can still run the way I do, sometimes I even surprise myself. I love it though. Football is part of my life, and it always will be. I will continue to play for as long as my body will allow me, and if I get through this year, that will be a blessing. I wouldn’t have got to where I am today without the constant guidance from my mum (Mia) and dad (Kevin) in my younger years, their encouragement has always pushed me forward, and for that I will be so forever grateful,” said Jarrad.
Maso keeps busy these days by inspiring and helping to train the future ‘mini Masos’ his two children Jordan (8) who is playing under 9s football, and Noah (5) who is doing Auskick. To end a terrific 300th game for ‘Maso’ and the club’s first match back for 2022 the Stanhope Lions beat the Merrigum Bulldogs by one goal.
The Adviser solutes Jarrad ‘Maso’ Mason on an extraordinary football career that keeps on going.
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