Sport
1 February, 2024
Skurrie's last hurrah
For Horsham Hornet's Stalwart Damien Skurrie, this finals series will be the last in what has been an illustrious career for the 43-year-old.
Skurrie has been around the Hornets for 17 years but did spend a stint away during that time, focusing on football and most recently a horrific injury - a perforated bowel.
He has fought his way back against all odds and on December 9 against Mt Gambier, celebrated his 150th game.
He has two championships to his name and adding a third will be the icing on the top of a successful sporting career.
"It would be amazing to go out on a winning note given the hard work that goes in behind the scenes each season," he explained.
"I'll be doing everything I can to make sure I am right to go and push and support my team-mates and do what needs to be done.
"It will be nice to finish the career on a good win but if we don't, then that is good too. I have had a successful sports career in the local area."
To be able to have this chance following his injury is an amazing feat. When asked how he bounced back from the injury and how he has kept his fitness, he put it down to keeping himself as fit as he can.
"I do things in the background such as swimming and basketball at home. I still keep myself relatively fit and do what I can do," he said.
With his experience, Skurrie's leadership is important to the younger member's of the team and he highlighted what he brings to the table on and off the court.
"Understanding your role in the team and bring your strengths is a big thing," he said.
"We know individuals don't win matches and it takes team effort so it's about understanding your role and bringing the energy and I help with that.
"I tend to think if our defense is up we go really well on offense but if it's down I use my strength and play that leadership role to get the defense cracking along and get things going."
Against Portland, Skurrie believes the team will be ready to come out firing.
"You need to understand opportunities don't get handed to you and everyone will be reminded of that. You work your bum off to get to any finals series and you need to go to the next level," he explained.
"Portland are a really good side. We haven't played a four-quarter game yet and we need to do that. We have been brilliant in parts and not so good in others.
"When we get out to a lead we put on the cruise control and it happens too often and teams see that. We can't afford to rest."
Skurrie is not sure what his sporting life will be like after he retires, but with two children in the junior program, he is going to be around the nest and hasn't ruled out helping should the need arise.
"As far as the senior things go, I will be around to support Scott and Matthew if they continue. I can come down and be part of it and work with the younger kids and mentor them and provide advice," he said.