May 31, 2007
From The Mercury
Reported by Adam Smith
Drafted to Geelong in 2003 and traded to the Kangaroos in 2005, the 25-year-old managed just 12 games in his four years in the system.
But all that will be forgotten on Saturday when Thurley joins a select group of Tasmanians to play 100 VFL matches when the Devils clash with Port Melbourne.
Reported by Adam Smith
ABOUT the only regret in Cameron Thurley's football career is the fact he was never able to cement a spot in the AFL.
Drafted to Geelong in 2003 and traded to the Kangaroos in 2005, the 25-year-old managed just 12 games in his four years in the system.
But all that will be forgotten on Saturday when Thurley joins a select group of Tasmanians to play 100 VFL matches when the Devils clash with Port Melbourne.
Only three Devils before him -- Ian Callinan, Ben Atkin and current captain Brett Geappen -- have reached the magic three figures.
"Once you get over there (Melbourne) it's all exciting and it is great to play one game," Thurley said of his AFL experience.
"But you do that and thrive on it, it runs through your body and you want to keep playing.
"Reputation is built on opportunities . . . when you do get them you have to take it.
"Some games I did OK and others I missed out, but that's footy and you have to roll with it."
Although Thurley played a handful of VFL games for Geelong when he was drafted in 2003, he is a Tassie boy through and through.
And despite being just 25 he is seen as one of the leaders at the Devils and, personal milestones aside, he is well aware of the job at hand to resurrect the season.
"Despite the results it's exciting at the club, with a young list we can only go up, we can't go much further down."
The 181cm utility has been struggling recently with a bulging disc in his back, which has restricted his mobility.
