This shy, unassuming man could almost walk down any street in footy mad Melbourne without being noticed. There is the famous story of how Corey Enright walked into a pub in his sleepy outback South Australia hometown of Kimba in the off season of 2007, and was asked by a local, "Are you any relation to Enright the footballer?". In characteristically unassuming and ambiguous fashion he replied simply, "Yes". Corey Enright the footballer is as inconspicuous as he is great. But there is nothing ambiguous about him, he's a champion. And like other Geelong champions that have gone before him, the likes of Corey Enright come along once in a generation. On Saturday night at the MCG he was in rare spotlight celebrating his 250th game for the Cats and he shone as bright as any star in the cold autumn sky. Arguably best on ground, his impact was immense. His ability to find space, his quick thinking decision making skills, and his toughness around the packs were all there to be seen. The script deserved a fairytale climax and it was presented in the final quarter when Enright took aim from the half forward flank, squeezed hard up against the boundary line... and the ball ended up post high through the middle of the goals. The raptuous applause that followed was as long as the prodigious punt itself, a true testament to how he is loved by the Geelong faithful. Corey Enright may be inconspicuous to the football following audience but he is highly respected by his team mates and opponents alike, he's a champion and that was no more evident than on the big stage on Saturday night.
Congratulations also to a man who, in contrast to Corey Enright, needs no introduction and is as high profile and extroverted as Enright is low key and reserved. In 2007 he was described by some as fat, troublesome and lazy. He was offered to Collingwood, who rejected him not only because of his dubious reputation but that his dodgy ankles were damaged beyond repair. So Geelong football Club did what it is famous for and proceeded to make him a star, and by the end of 2007 he had a premiership and Norm Smith Medal in his pocket. Fast forward to the present and he has added a further two premiership medals and a few All Australian guernsey's to his impressive resume. He is Geelong's resident magician, a rare student of the game, a master tactician and a very astute and skilled footballer. Well done Steve Johnson, aka Magic, aka Stevie J, on a milestone achievement of 200 games.