Brodie ups funds goal for The Long Run challenge

A WEEK into the Long Run Challenge and Sandhurst forward Brodie Montague has upped his fundraising goal.

Although he won’t be kicking goals should Sandhurst’s finals campaign kick off, Brodie has another target in mind for a crucial cause this September.

Brodie’s plan was to run 100 kilometres and raise $1000 for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia through the The Long Run.

The Melbourne-based footballer has reached the 40km mark and surpassed $1320 in donations just eight days in.

“This is the first time I have done The Long Run. Being in lockdown I was looking for something to do and to keep fit,” Brodie said.

“I will aim to do at least 25 ks a week, but also have a rest day or two.

“It’s a great challenge and cause.”

To support Brodie, go to thelongrun.org.au  and type in Brodie Montague in the search link.

It’s not too late to donate as Brodie will keep on running until that final day in September.

In a footy season derailed by lockdowns, Brodie held out hope of being able to play finals for Sandhurst in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League.

“To not be able to play finals is disappointing, but I am one of many who will not be chasing a premiership this year,” said Brodie,  captured in action for the Dragons earlier this season by the Bendigo Advertiser.

He played in the Dragons’ seniors grand final win against Golden Square in 2016 after being runner-up to Strathfieldsaye two years earlier.

The half-forward rated this season as the best he had played for the Ash Connick-coached Dragons.

“I had been at 94 kilograms for a couple of years and was down to 80kg by the start of this season,” Brodie said.

Among the highs were three goals in a dramatic victory against South Bendigo.

“Being a lot lighter and fitter meant I was able to get to more contests, put on more tackles and chase a lot harder,” he said of being at half-forward and the occasional run in the midfield or onball.

Achilles tendinitis diagnosed after the game at Golden Square on July 10 meant no training and play, but it was also when no footy was on because of lockdown.

“I had been given the all-clear to play Castlemaine three weeks later, but it was called off.”

Brodie’s footy journey began at Rochester and rolled on to Bendigo Pioneers, Ainslie in the Australian Capital Territory, Sandhurst and back to Rochy.

He played for the Tigers in 2019, but decided to return to the Dragons.

“There are quite a few late shifts and Saturday night shifts with my work,” he said of being in the maintenance and installation team with Telstra.

“Playing for Rochy was great, but there was a lot of travel across the Goulburn Valley.

“I had always enjoyed my time at Sandhurst, so decided to come back and have another go.”

The player in number 23 plans to be kicking on for the Dragons next footy season.

Written by Nathan Dole.