SOME regard Jake Spackman as one of the best players ever in the AFL North West.
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Now, the Gunnedah Bulldogs midfielder looks set to sit out the 2020 season due to work commitments.
An electrician by trade, Spackman's work currently has him based on the coast, away from his growing family.
"At the moment, I get Thursday to Sunday off once a fortnight, which is the only time I get to see my family," Spackman told the Namoi Valley Independent.
"To me, family is the most important thing and, with only being able to see the family once every couple of weeks, I just can't see a way to be able to play footy next year.
"It's disappointing, but given my partner (Taylor) and I just had a second child, I need to be home more."
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A two-time premiership player with the Bulldogs, Spackman said his workload would have to change in order for him to play football next season.
"Basically, the only way I would be able to play next season is if the company I work for is able to get more work locally," he said.
"The drought has meant that there isn't much work around here at the moment.
"Hopefully that changes and I can be home more, but until it does, I won't be able to play."
The 2017 Gillies medalist helped guide the Bulldogs to a second premiership in three years in 2019, kicking 46 goals for the season and winning the club's best and fairest.
"I really love playing footy, but my family comes first," Spackman said.
"The plan is to only take the year off, but hopefully it won't come to that.
"Hopefully we get more work around here and I'll be able to play."
Spackman's plan to sit out 2020 comes after Brad Jenkinson and Mark Barrow indicated they wouldn't line up for the Bulldogs' next season, either.
"I'm confident the boys will do well next season even if I'm not there," Spackman said.
"We have some really good young guys who have a year or two of experience under their belt now.
"Those guys will be much better for that experience and should keep getting better.
"I'm sure the boys can go well and be successful again next year."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
