It was take two for Daniel Chircop as he ran out on Saturday for his 500th game for Williamstown Wolves.
With rain washing out the previous weekend, Chircop had to wait another week to play his 500th game for his beloved Wolves.
“It’s very special,” he said in the lead up to the game. “I’ve played here since I was seven years old.
“It’s my second home and I have made some wonderful memories. It’s been wonderful how much the club community and the wider community have been so complementary.
“It’s been really kind around the club and Baseball Victoria the last few weeks.”
Chircop said he had played about 350 games for the Wolves first side with the majority of the rest coming in the second side.
While there’s been plenty of highlights, it’s a thirds game that is the most special of his career.
“I was 17 and one of the few games in the thirds I played with my brother and dad,” he said.
“It was the only game we all played together. It was a lovely experience.”
Last season’s run was pretty special and among the highlights for Chircop.
The Wolves made their first top flight grand final in 100 years after losing in the first week of the finals.
Chircop said he thought he would get that sort of moment. They fell short against Sunshine in the grand final.
“It was an incredible run in the play offs in division 1,” he said. “It was special for the team and the club.
“In my time I’ve spent a lot of time in division 3 and division 2 and when you get older you make peace that you might not play a lot of division 1.
“I didn’t envision a division 1 finals series let alone playing in division 1 as I’m barely hanging on.”
With a young family and work commitments, Chircop is only playing the weekend games and skipping the mid week ones to further prolong his career.
He said his wife Bec was the reason he could keep playing every week.
“She has supported me as a player and coach and it becoming my career,” he said.
“It’s not the most financially rewarding but it’s rewarding as a lifestyle.
“It means the world to me.”
Chircop’s love of the game extends beyond just playing.
He has taken on coaching roles and he works for Baseball Victoria.
Baseball has become his life.
“That’s a fair statement,” he said. “The last five to seven years transitioning from player to coach.
“I’m sure transition hang up the cleats at some stage and will be involved in coaching.
“I’m more content hanging them up if I still continue to be very much part of the game.”
On Saturday, the Wolves lost their premier 1 first nine match against Sandringham, 14-7.
The Wolves currently sit eighth with a 3-3 record.
