Sport
25 July, 2025
Special milestone for Magpie
CAMPERDOWN footballer Jake Clissold joins a select group this week when he lines up for his 100th appearance at reserves level against Warrnambool at the Leura Oval.
Clissold made his reserves debut as a top age under 18 player in 2013, playing three games in the team coached by Stephen Fitzgerald.
“That first game was at Portland, I enjoyed the step up, the older guys were really good and welcoming,” Clissold said.
Season 2014 was Clissold’s first year out of junior footy, a season that saw him play 18 reserves games under the coaching of Alex Place.
The next few years saw Clissold’s appearances become intermittent.
“I had a few injuries then had a year off in 2016, though I did get talked into playing a game for Ocean Grove where I did my ankle,” he said.
“In 2017 I travelled to America after a few games early in the season.”
Aside from that one game at Ocean Grove, Clissold’s whole career has been at the Magpies since starting in the under 12s.
Season 2018 and 2019 saw a greater level of commitment, playing 17 and 13 games in those two years.
In 2019, under coach Jason Fowler, Clissold was made reserves co-captain alongside good mate Daniel Hickey.
“We had a good young team that year, I really enjoyed the captaincy role.”
Post COVID, Clissold’s commitment waned for a couple of years, culminating in his ‘retirement’ in 2023.
“In 2023 I just thought I can’t do it anymore and just played golf.”
The return of mates Matthew Field and Billy Arnold for the 2024 season helped Clissold decide to have another crack.
He played 10 games before a fractured knee ended his season.
Stuck on 87 games, the lure of the milestone contributed to lining up again in 2025.
“The knee felt good and I wanted to get to 100 so I decided to go around again.”
The 30 year-old said the club atmosphere is what has kept him coming back.
“I’ve never been a big trainer, I just like being around the club.
“The people and the social side is what makes Camperdown a great club to be at.”
Playing finals in 2019 and the friendships made in his time at the club are the main career highlights.
Clissold is looking forward to enjoying his milestone game with family and friends.
“I’ve got a few mates from Geelong coming down which will be great.
“I’m looking forward to a beer after the game and then a night at our goods and services auction.”
Unsure of how much footy he has left as the golf course beckons, Clissold is happy for a low key celebration.
“There won’t be a banner, they might make a cake, I’d be happier with that!”
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