Still Going Strom in Milestone Match

It’s fitting one of South Fremantle’s most versatile players this century starred in his milestone match as the Bulldogs cruised to victory over East Fremantle in last weekend’s Sullivan Logistics WAFL Derby.

Zac Strom became the 21st Bulldog to reach 200 WAFL games and the most recent since current teammate Haiden Schloithe in 2022.

“It is a great round number, and I like it because you can say you have played 200 instead of almost 200 matches,” Strom said.

“It rolls off the tongue better and was a major drawing card for continuing this year, along with the belief I have in this group and supporting our new coach.

“It feels like a milestone not a lot of players will be able to reach into the future due to the reduced number of games through the pandemic.

“I have been fortunate to play a lot of finals games through the success of this great club which helps add to the tally.”

Strom avoided significant long-term injuries to reach the milestone, although his 200th appearance was put on hold when he was sidelined with a calf strain.

“Definitely to reach this number of games you have to be durable, able to handle smaller injuries week to week and play through things like corks, sprained ankles and shoulder injuries,” he said.

“When the whips are cracking in finals you do everything you can to make sure you can be out there contributing to the team.

Originally from Exmouth, the 31-year-old made his WAFL debut in Round 16, 2013.

He won the club’s Fairest and Best in 2020, a premiership year for South Fremantle, and his journey has been made more special by teaming up with younger brother Noah.

“Playing with my brother, from the outside looking in, it must be the envy of many,” he said.

“To be able to share so many days, special moments, working together towards a common goal so closely is something not all families have the pleasure of doing, especially at this level.

The brothers aren’t the only Strom siblings enjoying football success, with younger sister Mim continuing to forge a successful career with the Fremantle Dockers in the AFLW.

On top of the table and clear premierships favourites, the Bulldogs have embraced the prospect of helping Craig White claim a flag in his first year as senior coach.

“I believe this group has the ability and team camaraderie to go all the way this year.”

South Fremantle plays East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday at 2.10pm