tony
il capo
- Apr 30, 2004
- 6,178
- 43,141
- AFL Club
- Brisbane Lions
- Other Teams
- Fitzroy & Las Vegas Bears
Some players take a while to make an impact. Then there’s Art Vandelay_, who kicked 8 goals in his debut game and left no doubt that he was going to be a star. From day one, Art showed the Las Vegas Bears he wasn’t just here to play, he was here to dominate.
As we celebrate his 300th game, it’s clear that Art’s career has been less about following blueprints and more about rewriting them. Much like the fictional Art Vandelay who was an architect, marine biologist, and latex salesman, our own Art has worn many hats over his career. Except, rather than saving whales or selling latex, his specialties have been goals, midfield mastery, and carrying Matera92!
In his first game, Art lit up the scoreboard with 8 goals, instantly making his mark. While some of us need time to adjust, Vandelay hit the ground running or, more accurately, kicking and never looked back. It’s no surprise he’s carried that same flair throughout his 300 game career, even if he sometimes had to drag his teammates along with him (cough Matera cough).
Art’s been the kind of player who does it all, except defend, of course. Defence? Not in his playbook. But when it comes to making things happen up forward or in the midfield, Vandelay’s been our go to. He’s won the Captain’s Award (probably for all those times he did the heavy lifting for Matera) and snagged Best Club Player honours, but if you ask him, those achievements are secondary to what he really believes in, making sure Matera doesn’t get all the credit.
Speaking of credit, Art might just be the greatest player to never win the Bears Best and Fairest. It’s been rigged for years, thanks to Matera. You can’t be the best if the votes somehow keep ending up in someone else’s favour! But everyone knows the truth, if Art wasn’t busy carrying Matera all these seasons, he’d have been crowned the Sweet FA’s greatest long ago.
And while defence will never be his thing, Art’s refusal to conform has only added to his legend. Vandelay’s blueprint for success always involved kicking goals, not stopping them and it’s worked for him for 300 games.
Though the Bears have only managed one premiership over the years, Art Vandelay’s influence has been undeniable. He may not have built a dynasty, but he certainly laid the foundation for what success the Bears have had. If there’s any question about his legacy, just look at the scoreboard. Art has been kicking goals and making plays while the rest of us have been along for the ride.
Congratulations, Art, on an incredible 300 games! You’ve been the architect of your own success, and we’ve all been lucky enough to come along for the ride, especially Matera. Here's to 300 more, or at least as many games as it takes to get that Best and Fairest!
