Legend time draws near

By Tania Martin
ROMOLO Turco’s spirit, determination and passion for football has put him in the running for the 2007 Telstra Footy Legend title.
The Mail reported in its story ‘Time of Legends’ last month that Romolo, 41, had been chosen as one of 19 people selected for the 2007 Telstra Footy Legend.
He has now been named one of eight finalists who will be fighting for the award honours on Saturday.
The Emerald Football Club timekeeper of 22 years has overcome many hurdles to get where he is today.
He is admired at his club for the grit and determination he shows every week.
Romolo is severely handicapped after suffering from polio when he was just five years old but despite his setbacks in life he continues to show people his passion for the game.
Although Romolo is seen as a legend at the Emerald Football Club, he said it would be fantastic to win the Telstra Footy Legend title for not only himself but also the club.
He was last week thrilled to find out that he had made the final cut.
“You don’t spend all your time at the footy club for awards and recognition, you do it for the love of the game,” he said.
“I couldn’t believe it when the club told me they wanted to put me forward for the honour.”
Club secretary Robyn Kuys said Romolo was an inspiration to many people in Emerald.
“Despite his disabilities he lives up to his commitment and dedication to the game and the club,” she said.
“He struggles every week to get into the timing box but he holds up his head high and does the job.”
Mrs Kuys said everyone at the club loves Romolo and that it would be a thrill to see him win the footy legend title.
“He just loves footy and because he can’t play being our timekeeper is his way of staying involved,” she said.
A panel of Telstra and Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) judges will review the eight finalists.
VCFL area manager Shaun Connell said there were some amazing and inspirational stories like Romolo’s but that there could only be one legend.
“It’s not going to be easy for the judging panel to select that person,” he said.
The footy legend will be announced at the VCFL premiers’ dinner on Saturday 13 October.