Warrnambool full-forward Jason Rowan reached — and passed — 100 goals in a season for the third time with an eight-goal bag against Terang Mortlake on Saturday.
WARRNAMBOOL sharpshooter Jason Rowan has kicked 100 goals in a season for a third time.
It took Rowan only a quarter-and-a-half against Terang Mortlake at Reid Oval on Saturday to kick the six goals he needed to notch his century.
After marking about 45 metres out on a slight angle, the spearhead was quickly mobbed when his shot sailed through mid-way through the second term.
As the goal umpire waved the flags, scores of fans — including those in a marquee for a past players’ function — rushed onto Reid Oval.
“I was surprised how many people came out,” Rowan said.
From the opening bounce, it was evident Rowan was in for a big afternoon.
He kicked three goals in the opening term and two in quick succession to open the second quarter.
The Hampden interleague representative finished with eight goals, taking his season tally to 102.
“When I was coming in for my 100th, I was shaking and nervous but I was kicking all right,” he said.
“Everything was going through my head. It was lucky it went through.
“It (the milestone) happened so quickly, it was hard to believe.
“I was really surprised I had it up by half-time.
“We tried to get the game won before we started to try and get my 100th but it was pretty natural.”
At 26, Rowan has already etched his name in the Hampden league’s record books.\
He’s won the league goalkicking award for the past five seasons and has an unassailable lead this season.
Other than Rowan, Colac’s Nathan Murray and South Warrnambool’s Korey Fulton in 1998, and Port Fairy’s Frank Matthews in 2005 are the only other players to have kicked a century in the home and away season in the past 14 years.
With time on his side, Rowan is a chance to challenge South Warrnambool/Koroit/Port Fairy forward Tony Russell as the league’s leading goalkicker.
Russell kicked 1020 during his career.
“It’s a fair record. I will take it as it comes,” he said. Rowan credited his Blues’ teammates.
“It is a good achievement to get an individual award, but on the other hand I’d like to thank the other 20 blokes I play with each week,” he said. “It’s their award as much as mine.”
At six foot, Rowan isn’t your average full forward. “I started as a midfielder and I was having a bad day in the midfield and was moved forward and that’s where it all kicked off,” he said.
Warrnambool has sewn up top spot after its 89-point drubbing of the Bloods and is eyeing premiership success.
Rowan played in the Blues’ 2010 flag and has played in three grand final losses.
justine.mc@standard.fairfax.com.au