Here's my little tribute to the great John Sutton.
Legends are not just about status and size. They're not just about the sales and the fame. They're not just about the success. They're about the whole experience and the story behind them. They capture our imagination, we back them 100% and they embody a sense of who we want to be. To me, true legends are about giving us a fairytale to hold onto, capturing our imaginations as they go.
That perfectly sums up why John Sutton is a true legend. He was never the most freakishly skillful player, he was never the kind of guy that was all about the massive big trick plays and perhaps, he was never the most well-known player. But none of that matters because he is one of the hardest working players ever and he absolutely loves this club. Because of that, he is inspirational and he has certainly captured my imagination throughout his career. For me, that is why he's a true legend.
Sutto has given absolutely everything to our club. Players like GI and Sam may be some of the greatest players of all time but for me, Sutto will always be the greatest Souths player of all time. Having a career that spans sixteen years at the one club and being the ONLY player in Souths 111 year history to reach the 300 game milestone just proves that and it speaks volumes of the kind of career he's had.
As I mentioned earlier, he bleeds Red and Green and absolutely loves this club. In my years of supporting Souths, I'm not sure that there's ever been a player who's loved this club more. It is his home, his castle. It's common knowledge that he could have quite easily left when we were really struggling, found success earlier at another club and turned himself into a superstar. However, because of his love for the club, that was never an option. Loyalty is quite possibly dead in the modern game but not when it comes to Sutto, he is the definition of loyal. Sticking by the club in those tough times would have been very, very hard but to his credit, he did stick with us and it makes those good times even sweeter......
And boy, oh boy hasn't Sutto had some sweet times. None more so than on October 5th 2014 when he became the first Souths junior to captain the club to Grand Final victory in 43 years since Johnny Sattler. Of course, that night was one of the greatest of my life and I will never forget it. But the memory of hearing Sutto's voice screaming, "Let's do this," the sound of that ringing so sweetly across the stadium and then the image of him hoisting that trophy with such emotion, is something that will never, ever leave me. I think I can speak for all Souths fans when I say that. That night made John Sutton. His whole career lead up to that moment and I can only imagine what it must have felt like.
In terms of his on field abilities, as I mentioned earlier, Sutto was never the most talented or freakishly skillful of players. He was still obviously blessed with great skill but he made up for the lack of freakish play with sheer hard work and a footy nouse that is second to none. No one can read a game like Sutto can. Sometimes throughout his career it was like he could see into the future. On top of this, he was also a great runner of the footy and had an amazing amount of finesse for a big man. What's more, I think he certainly got better with age. 2018 was one of the best years he's had individually and this year, he is still a vital cog of the team.
Then, there's his leadership. GI has been awesome but I don't think there'll be a greater Souths captain than Sutto. As I have said, he is inspirational and leads by example. Players want to rally and lift for him. He can fire the boys up like no other and but at the same time, can keep them calm and focussed on their next job. Even now, at times, I think he should still be captain.
Hard to believe the greatest career in Souths history is about to end, it really is. Makes me quite emotional to be honest. He has quite simply been the heart and soul of our team for sixteen years and a team without him will be hard to get used to. In saying that, it's not over yet. He has one more mountain to climb before he can rest and god, I hope this fires the boys up to do it and do it for John. I would love nothing more then to send him out a Premiership winner. He friggin deserves it.
You are far too humble to accept all the praise that comes your way but to Sutto, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have given us. There are too many, none greater than the 2014 Grand Final and for that, us members and fans are forever grateful. I don't think we win that comp without you and I don't think the club would be where it is today without you. I feel so privileged to have lived in a time where I got to witness a clubman like you because legends like you don't come around too often. The kind of player I am going to tell my kids about.
All the best in retirement and your new role with the club. You will be missed but congrats on one hell of a career to the King of Redfern, a true legend!! Let's put the cherry on top in 2019!!!!!
