There are few footballers and clubmen as respected and much-loved as Jack Tattoli.
It is a well-known fact that he is spoken of highly among the Port Football Club players, officials and supporters as a courageous and inspirational player.
With the hype and celebrations of the league and reserves premierships subsiding, Tattoli is now left to ponder his career.
In the B grade grand final, he badly hurt his hand and needed surgery. He was left lingering on 299 games played throughout his long career.
Next year is the 100th year celebration of the club which will entice the never-say-die player to reach the ultimate goal of 300 matches for the Bulldogs.
“I am blessed to be part of such a
wonderful club and never dreamed I would reach this milestone,” said Tattoli.
“I love the club and the people who have been so supportive of me.”
Tattoli was born in Port Pirie in 1971 to a Greek mother and Italian father and has two brothers Dino and Daniel.
Young enthusiast
One would assume he would be drawn to soccer, but Aussie rules has always been his passion, from when he was a young boy following Port Adelaide Magpies during which time legends Craig Bradley and Russell Ebert were his idols.
For the record he did have a crack at soccer when he was 12 and played junior cricket for Sollies and seniors for South-Port in the 1990s, but football grabbed his attention.
He went to Airdale Primary School and finished his education at Risdon Park High School, leaving school to begin work at the Commonwealth Bank where he could pursue his interest in the finance sector.
He shifted to Adelaide to take up a
position in the branch at the Marion
shopping centre in 1999, but travelled home each weekend.
This was a significant year in his life in which he married long-time sweetheart Hayley Gloede with who he had a seven-year courtship. Homesick, the couple returned to Port Pirie a year later with the offer of a job by Stephen Pisani to work in a new business.
“It was an exciting time returning home and setting up the business,” he said.
Tattoli began studying accountancy and in 2004 he was offered a position at the Port Pirie Regional Council in the finance department.
He saw an opportunity to get into local government and in some way give something back to the community.
Job promotion
He was promoted to finance officer last year and said his job planning a budget for city spending and helping with payroll and accounts was challenging.
Most important, Tattoli beams with delight as he talks about his daughters Grace, born in 2003, and Sophie, born in 2005.
“After having three sons, mum is happy and proud to finally have girls,” he said.
The girls share their father’s love of football and he said they were getting good at kicking the little Sherrin football and can both kick with their left foot.
Tattoli appreciates the fantastic
benefits of playing sport in the country and said his girls will be encouraged to play.
Since starting football in 1983 the keen clubman said that he had played under too many coaches to name them but does give credit to Bill Saler, John Matters and Paul Keane who all had a big impact on his football.
Tattoli, who has been the reserves captain and vice-captain during the years, played mostly in the backline and said most opponents are tough, but he enjoyed the challenges of all forwards.
But he said “to achieve respect from opponents is special.”
The engaging sportsman has won best-and-fairest awards and best team man in the reserves, but playing in the A grade was his goal and past Port coach
Bob Boston gave him the opportunity in 1996.
“It was heart-breaking in the early 1990s not being selected in grandfinals, but I never gave up trying,” Tattoli said.
It is no secret the pocket dynamo has the heart and soul and the courage equal to many champion sportsmen, but it is agreed by many his slight build has most likely prevented him from cementing a place in the senior team.
He rates Port champions Jamie McNamara and Adam Magor a class act in his era and has great admiration for the two.
“It was an honor to receive my life membership to the club in 2003,
especially as it was the same year that Jamie received his,” said Tattoli.
Although he has played in six premierships, this year’s grand final was special because he played alongside his brother in-law Nick Gloede who is 24.
“I never thought I would have that thrill because of our age difference,” he said.
The player has had a love affair with football since he first pulled on the boots.
Good sports
“I have enjoyed the camaraderie and time spent with every player I have been associated with,” he said.
“I really appreciate the support from my wife Hayley and my parents and my in-laws because I know it is a fair commitment with a lot of give and take.”
He highlights the lifelong friendships he has made in the past 25 years and remembers the words of former Port coach Ron Redford who said: “Whatever level you play, it is your best to achieve your highest level.”
The unassuming sportsman who loves training, having a kick and is just happy to play football said “it would not matter if I were playing a grand final at Memorial Oval, Football Park or the MCG, it would be the same hard work and I would have the same feeling of
dedication and desire.”
MILESTONE…Jack Tattoli, with injured hand, has one game to play next season to reach 300 matches in his career. TOP RIGHT...Tattoli pictured in action against South Augusta in the B grade grand final at Memorial Oval this year. The Bulldogs won by 12 points.
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