The Tree On The Wing

When one of your best mates’ dad starts up the Auskick program at your primary school, then you don’t have a lot of choices about playing footy.When you’re a local boy with 2 older brothers and your mum is a stalwart net baller and a life member of the footy club, you’re probably going to end up down there at some point.When you are the youngest of three boys and your brothers hate losing, then you either become a competitive beast or you’ll be left by the wayside.Bobby Wallace had all three elements of the above recipe and there was no way that he was settling for being an also ran.He has forged an illustrious career in the two blues, gained the admiration of the supporters on the hill - and the reverence of both his team mates and opponents.Under 14 league best and fairest, under 18 club best and fairest, twice senior best and fairest, under 18 premiership player, club senior captain, club coach and life member. The highlights just keep rolling.It wasn’t always easy for Bobby though and he had to learn about hard work and develop an ethic that would progress him as well as dealing with career threatening injury as a young player.Due to social isolation, we caught up with Bobby over phone, and though Nipper managed to drop out of the discussion a couple of times, it takes nothing away from the quality of the conversation. We still had an enlightening and interesting exchange with one of the club’s favourite personalities.We hope you’ll enjoy our catch up with Bobby “Rupert” Wallace.