IF three doctors had their way, Sam Mildren wouldn’t have played in Saturday’s BFNL grand final.
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It’s lucky for Strathfieldsaye that Mildren doesn’t like listening to doctors.
Seven goals, 13 marks and, in most people's eyes the best man on the ground in the grand final.
Not bad for someone who was told never to play football again.
Hip and back injuries were not only stopping Mildren from playing footy.
His day-to-day life was hampered.
He sought the opinion of three different doctors who all told him it would be best to pull the pin on footy.
“I tried to give footy up, but I just love it too much,’’ Mildren said after Saturday’s win.
“It makes it all worthwhile when you get one of these (premiership medal).
“It hurt last year (losing grand final to Golden Square) and I didn’t think I’d ever get back.
“To get another crack at it, you don’t let it slip twice.”
Mildren didn’t play this season until May 31 against Gisborne.
Coach Darryl Wilson wasn’t sure if Mildren would make it through the season.
A five-goal haul against Gisborne first-up was a sign of things to come.
His season-high seven goals on Saturday gave Mildren 44 goals from 11 games in 2014.
He set the tone on Saturday with a mark and goal inside the first minute before tormenting the Sandhurst defence all afternoon.
“It’s pleasing to play well and contribute, but just to get a medal I’m happy.”