THE SUBIACO FOOTBALL COMMUNITY

Delahunty said he’s always been appreciative of the Subiaco faithful. Whilst their passion on gameday is highly regarded, it’s the caring nature of the supporters that hit home most for him, and reminded him of his home in Victoria. He said fans were always willing to have a chat and introduce their loved ones. They always gave their support no matter the circumstance.

“Win, lose, or draw, they’re there to support and give advice at times when you may not always need it. But it comes from a place of a lot of care, and that’s what I’ve always appreciated. You know you’ve come into a special club when there’s so many passionate people about the football club. It blew me away, my first game, when we played East Perth in round one, the reception we got when we walked upstairs after the game, the support I received, the care I got and everyone introducing themselves to make you feel a part of the community. It’s something I’ll always remember and be so thankful for.”

When asked whether or not he would continue to be a part of the club in retirement, he said he wants to be a familiar face. Whilst ruling out coaching, saying it’s not for him, he said he’ll be at as many home games as he can. He said his job is to support his mates in the team, and to support the next generation coming through.

Delahunty will go down in history along with club legends like Rumble, Horsely, and Allistair Pickett. With a club of such history like Subiaco, he said it was a difficult concept to grasp, and one that didn’t necessarily sit well with him. He said he’s played such a small part, but hoped he had an impact.

“I hope I’ve been able to have a positive influence on the people I’ve played with, and to have given back something to a club that’s given me so much. If they’re going to be left with anything, I hope in some capacity I’ve been able to put a smile on someone’s face and help a few blokes along the way.”

When asked about whether or not he had any regrets, Delahunty laughed, saying tongue and cheek his only regret outside losing this years Subi’s got talent was not coming to the club sooner.

“For every loss, there’s a lesson to be learned. For every win, there’s a lesson to be learned, and I’m still learning. The more it goes on, it always comes back to the people. There’s something about Subiaco that just attracts good people. That’s the most important thing for me.”

After all is said and done, Lachlan Delahunty will finish his career as a five-time premiership player, a Sandover Medallist, a representative of his adopted state six times. But the lasting memory he will have on the football club is worth so much more than the words can give justice to.