Avenel club legend to make milestone appearance

By Hamish Donaldson

Jul 31, 2023

Reaching new heights: Paul ‘Subba’ Arandt will play his 300th game for Avenel seniors on Saturday.

To play football at a high level you have to have strength and dedication, but to go around for nearly 20 years you have to have passion.

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On Saturday afternoon at Avenel Recreation Reserve, one of the Swans’ players will spread their wings for the 300th time in the senior side and become the first player to do so for the club.

Paul Arandt, known as Subba around the club, has been a mainstay of Avenel’s senior side since he made his debut in 2005.

In his near two-decade span in the Swans’ side Arandt has had a stint as senior captain, claimed multiple best-and-fairest titles and represented the Kyabram District League in interleague games.

Avenel Football Netball Club president Joe Pollock was full of praise for Arandt and his achievements.

“Paul has been a prominent figure in the sporting ranks throughout the Seymour area, whether that be in football or cricket,” he said.

“Loyalty and longevity in country footy nowadays is getting (to be a) rarer and rarer feat to witness, we feel this is a milestone well and truly worth celebrating and have a big day planned at the club.”

To celebrate the occasion, a marquee will be raised on the hill at the Avenel ground for all those wanting to wish Arandt well — tickets are $50, which includes entrance to the game, lunch and refreshments.

With the Seymour Lions having a bye this weekend, Avenel is hoping that a big crowd will turn out to support one of the club’s most loyal, durable and fierce players.