Strom Reaches Special Milestone In Derby Defeat

Two-time premiership player Noah Strom added another honour to his decorated career when he ran out for his 150^th match for South Fremantle in yesterday’s WA Day Derby against East Fremantle.

But the celebration was subdued when the reigning premiers went down to the Sharks by 34 points.

 

Strom made his senior debut in Round 2, 2018 when his older brother Zac withdrew from the team because of illness.

He’s since turned into one of the most reliable defenders in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL competition.

“To reach 150 games meant a great deal to me,” Strom said.

“I still often reflect on how lucky I was to land at South Fremantle.

“They have really looked after me and made my family welcome over the journey.

“You start out trying to make your debut, then tick small boxes along the way and to reach 150 games will be a proud moment.

“The best part is probably being able to come back well after I finish my career and know I have everlasting ties to this great club and the people involved.”

A quiet achiever, Strom has enjoyed a golden period with the Bulldogs who are chasing back-to-back flags for the first time in more than 70 years.

“My fondest memories are the big games, whether it be a milestone match for one of the boys, a Derby, or a Grand Final,” he said.

“The premierships sit at the top, particularly playing in one at Fremantle Oval, something that may never happen again.

“Overall, the friendships I have built in my time here have made everything worthwhile, the people you share the ups and downs with leave the largest impression on me.”

Strom, a schoolteacher, will miss a couple of upcoming matches as he heads overseas for a mid-year break with Zac, who retired from footy after winning a flag with the Bulldogs last September.

For Noah, not having his sibling by his side on game day this year is a strange experience.

“It is different playing without Zac, and you probably don’t realise how lucky you are at the time,” he said.

“There’s just a level of support and trust that you feel knowing your brother is out there so that’s different this year, but we’re still as tight as ever.

“I’m very proud of him, he has achieved a tremendous amount as a player and deserves to enjoy watching from the other side of the fence now.”

Playing in premierships and being part of consecutive victories with the KIA WA side against South Australia, Strom is grateful for the success which has come his way.

“They are obviously the highlights of my career, representing WA and South Fremantle,” he reflected.

“You can see how much joy it can bring to people and that is what I hold in high regard.

“I have a lot of people to thank who have helped me achieve these things and supported me along the way.”

With South Fremantle trailing East Fremantle by 28-points at three quarter-time yesterday, coach Craig White sent Strom from the backline into attack.

The move was a success with Strom booting three goals in the final term, but it couldn’t prevent the Sharks from winning their first WA Day Derby in a decade.