Tadrosse leaves on a high

You certainly could not accuse the vote-givers of being over-sentimental in awarding Chris Tadrosse the Robbie Slater Medal.

In fact, the left full-back, captain and heart and soul of Bonnyrigg White Eagles was so good, he was greeted with chants of ‘one more year,’ by the Bonnyrigg faithful.

But all good stories must come to an end.

And honestly, there isn’t a writer in the world who could have written a better end to the Tadrosse chapter in the White Eagles book.

Tadrosse bid adieu to the game, the club and team he loved so much in the best possible manner – as Champion.

The White Eagles legend was at his absolute best as he lead the side to a second PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Championship in three years and as if that wasn’t enough he sealed the Man of the Match award to go with it.

“It’s really hard at the moment to express how I feel,” Tadrosse said.

“It’s a dream come true. I’ve ben thinking about this day for a long time, the day I stop playing, and when I saw the draw I fancied our chances that it would end up this way.

“It is a great honour to finish a great career at a great club with a great bunch of boys.”

Tadrosse was flawless on the day, solid at the back in combating the considerable threat of Blacktown City’s Travis Major and Danny Choi.

At the other end, he was heavily involved again as he laid on the assist for Yuta Kokada’s sealer in the second half.

His secret? It all comes down to experience.

“I think my experience, having played in a few grand finals helped. Bringing that experience and using it to help the other boys who haven’t played in so many was a big part of my job as captain today, and I think I did that,” Tadrosse said.

“But Bonnyrigg has been a big part of my career and I’ve been lucky to win a few trophies here and when you win things it sticks in your mind, so the six years I have had at Bonnyrigg have been amazing.”

A father of four boys, Tadrosse didn’t hide the fact that he would not mind seeing his little lads pull on the red and blue in the future, and said he would love to be involved with the club as much as time allowed it going forward.

“The boys are still young and they’re just starting out, but hopefully they like playing soccer and I’ll be there to support them if they do,” Tadrosse said.

“I would love to stick around the club and be a part of the club, but it’s really hard with other commitments.

“Still, I’ll definitely be showing my face at Bonnyrigg whenever I can. Hopefully now they can get a few players that can boost the squad and get to another Grand Final next year.”

– By Matthew Galea, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Editor, at Leichhardt Oval