Football
8 July, 2024
Campey breaks Lakers' club games record
At 54, David Campey is still playing football. His latest achievement was breaking the Taylors Lake club games record on Saturday against Natimuk. He notched up his 412th game for the club and his 573rd senior match.
On Saturday, David's son, Hunter, played his 50th senior match for the Lakers, which was also a special moment.
Campey kicked a rare goal after the siren in an extra special moment, and they won 24.18.162 to 1.2.8.
Campey had played for the Lakers since 1996, when he moved from the Wandella Football Club in the Golden Rivers Football Netball League to the club. He had previously played for Ararat.
Over his career, he has played various positions, with ruck being the only position he has never played.
In 2018, the under-14s won the premiership, defeating the Swifts by five goals. Although he wasn't coach, he was close to the coach, and his son Hunter played in the side, which was one of his brightest moments at the club.
"It was our club's first junior premiership, and given the journey they had taken, it was a special win and was my best moment at the club," Campey recalled.
Campey contributes on and off the field, as do his family.
David helps out umpiring the under-14s, and his wife Sarah is a former netballer and netball director.
His son Hunter has consistently contributed to the football field in 2024, and his daughter Summer plays in the 17-and-under and B-grade netball.
Speaking of Hunter, David said one of the other highlights has been playing with him.
"When Hunter started playing senior football in 2021, I was lucky enough to play some reserves and senior games with him, which was another highlight," Campey said.
Being a club stalwart and role model, Campey says it's good to mentor the club's younger players.
"I get out to chat with the boys and learn their names, encourage them, and talk to them between the breaks," Campey said.
"Some of these kids, I played football with their fathers, and you have known some since they were babies, and at the end of the day, it's a family.
"The reality is, 29 years playing for the club, that's more than half of my life."
David has been blessed with injuries over the years. His worst injury was a broken hand, which caused him to miss a few games. Recently, he has started getting plantar fasciitis, but it's easily managed.
"I enjoy getting out there and having a challenge, even more so now alongside spreading experience and helping out the younger team members," Campey said.
"When you sit in an office five days a week, and footy is the only sport you play, it's a good outlet."
Campey puts his longevity down to some things, noting fitness and looking after his health.
"I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I am just on a normal diet. I eat well," Campey said.
"I do park run in the off-season, and I also walk to work, so I cover 30/50km a week walking or running, which keeps me going.
"Some older blokes tend to sit around and don't do anything, but I hate sitting around and doing nothing, so I like to stay active."