MARK Rooke has been an important figure on the field for representative sides over the past three decades, but tomorrow he will take to the field one last time at State League 1 level.
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The Western NSW Mariners FC under 18s coach has been balancing his playing and mentoring duties for years, but he will be calling time on his rep duties when he takes on Dulwich Hill FC.
He lines up as one of the allocated senior members of the Western under 20s side, and is hopeful that he can finish with one more win in the final round of the season.
He says the time spent representing the region has been fun, but it’s time for the next generation to fill his place.
“I started at this level when I was 15 years old so that’s 30 years of it now. I’ve kept myself fit but I think it’s time. I still feel like I’m contributing well enough to the team, but there’s a young group of players coming through with plenty of talent,” he said.
“It’s been great to impart some experience on these boys. When we first started in this comp the under 20s were a bit lost, but then I came in and gave them some direction. Towards the end of last year we had a seven or eight-game undefeated run. It’s been a big improvement.”
Rooke has had an enjoyable season on the field but even more so with his under 18s side, who are one win away from securing the premiership.
“I’m coaching the 18s at the moment and they’re doing a fantastic job. It’s been an up and down year but lately the boys have done well. If they get it right and win it’s a two-headed beast – we win the premiership and keep the club up from relegation, so no pressure,” he laughed.
“There’s some fabulous players there and some have already played for first grade or under 20s.”
The 18s lead Hakoah Sydney City East FC by just a point in the race for the premiership. Rooke’s side are coming off a big 6-2 win over Nepean FC, currently on a four-game win streak. His side put home 20 goals in those four games.
The under 20s sit ninth in the 12-strong competition. Rooke and his team-mates went down 4-3 last time they faced Dulwich, and are now eager to turn the result around on home soil.
Rooke says it’s always a challenge for the first grade Mariners side to make inroads in their competition, but the junior sides will always be there with plenty of support.
“Western and, to a point, Bathurst 75 have always been about the youth. It’s what has supported us and kept us strong throughout the years. It’s been very difficult to maintain that through to the senior grade with players moving on. That’s something that the club should be looking at for the future,” he said.
“If everyone turns up on the day I think that we can win in all three grades. The 20s are as good as anyone in this competition on their day and the first grade side have played really well this second half of the season.”
The first grade Mariners side have moved past both Camden Tigers and Inter Lions off the foot of the ladder this month.
Mariners and Dulwich have plenty to play for in the 3pm match.
Dulwich are still an outside chance of making the finals, while the Mariners can still finish last if they lose, with Lions having an extra game in hand and Camden sitting just three points off.
