General News
25 June, 2025
Coach paved Tyler’s return
By ADAM BOURKE WHEN Bridgewater’s Tyler Estrada suffered a broken wrist in last year’s Loddon Valley football finals series, he thought it was time to hang up the boots. After 14 years with the Mean Machine and two reserves premierships, Estrad...
By ADAM BOURKE
WHEN Bridgewater’s Tyler Estrada suffered a broken wrist in last year’s Loddon Valley football finals series, he thought it was time to hang up the boots.
After 14 years with the Mean Machine and two reserves premierships, Estrada thought his dream of winning an elusive senior flag had come to an end.
Senior coach Lachlan Sharp had other ideas.
Sharp was adamant Estrada still had a role to play in the Bridgewater senior team, particularly in the Mean Machine’s forward structure.
Sharp talked Estrada out of retirement and last Saturday the half-forward reached a milestone that few modern day country footballers achieve - 200 games with the same club.
When Estrada kicked a goal late in the final quarter of the win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine, his team-mates ran from all over the ground to congratulate him.
It was a sign of Estrada’s popularity in the group and the selfless role he plays for the team.
“You don’t see his name in the paper much for kicking goals or being named in the best players, but his pressure and blocking of the ball and things like that is so important for us,’’ Sharp said of Estrada.
“What he does doesn’t get measured and some people don’t see what he does for us. He’s the ultimate team man.
“To play 200 games for the club is a massive achievement, particularly the physical way he plays.”
When Estrada arrived at Bridgewater for the start of the 2011 season, playing 200 games for the club was the furtherest thing from his mind. It didn’t take him long to realise he’d found a long-term football home and he’s grateful for the opportunities the club has provided him.
“(To play 200 games) means a fair bit to me,’’ Estrada said.
“Bridgewater has been home to me for pretty much all my football career and I love the place. “It’s such a tight-knit community. I have two kids and the club has a great family atmosphere.”
Estrada admitted he’s not Bridgewater’s most skilled player, but he’s more than happy to do the grunt work inside forward 50. “I’m not a flashy player, so the half-forward role applying pressure and locking the ball in probably suits me,’’ he said.
With the 200-game milestone locked away, Estrada has one more goal to tick off – that elusive senior premiership.
With the way Bridgewater is playing, Estrada is confident the Mean Machine can challenge Marong and Pyramid Hill for the flag.
“When we get our groove going it does look good,’’ he said. “We’ve certainly improved this year. I’m glad I’m still playing.”