In years to come, people will remember Mark Nicoski for a number of things. Kicking the opening goal in the 2005 grand final, his prince charming looks, his model girlfriend from the Amazing Race and finally, his horrid run with injury.
Despite the injuries if he had his time again, he’d have it no other way.
In the same way pressure makes diamonds, in the case of Nicoski, injuries were the making of the man and he leaves a big legacy at the West Coast Eagles.
Of his ten seasons at AFL level, seven were impacted by serious injury, but he believes his experiences, good and bad, will serve him well for the next phase of his life.
“It made the journey of AFL pretty interesting, there was no time to relax and just enjoy being a footballer 24/7. I had to go through a fair few hurdles and trials, just to play footy.”
“It made me appreciate the years I got on the park but it also taught me a lot of things not only about football, but also about life.”
What made Nicoski’s run with injury all the more frustrating was how hard he worked to get his chance at AFL level and how well he played when his body allowed.
Nicoski arrived on the AFL scene via the WAFL, and made his way onto the Eagles rookie list in 2004 after being overlooked in two national drafts.
When injury free, Nicoski excelled at AFL level. In 2005 he played 21 games including the grand final and in 2011 he played 25 games and kicked 41 goals, playing an instrumental role in West Coast’s unlikely charge towards the finals.
The success he enjoyed punctuated the bad and made all the hours he spent in rehab and watching from the sidelines –most notably the 2006 premiership – worth it.
“Its one of things where you can only play the hand based on the cards you are dealt,” he says.
“Its one of things where you can only play the hand based on the cards you are dealt” – Mark Nicoski
“It made it worthwhile for me, when I sat back and reflected on the last 11 years and I know, it’s a cliché, but I am going to say it, you are glad it went the way it went.”
2011 was undoubtedly his breakout season; despite it being his eighth at AFL level and he could have been fooled into thinking his fortunes with injury had changed.
“When I was able to play regular football I was able to contribute, not just to West Coast, but also to show the league and a lot of people who had written me off, that I was capable.”
But the following pre-season he ruptured a hamstring tendon and what was initially expected to be three to four weeks on the sidelines, became 15 months.
When Nicoski finally made it back onto the field in the middle of this year, an opponent fell innocuously across his right wrist while playing in the WAFL.
It required surgery and 12 more weeks on the sidelines, but despite all he had been through, his reaction wasn’t of devastation, despair or pity. It was acceptance.
“I think it was the game tapping me on the shoulder and saying look, it’s time to give it away.”
Injuries cruelled his ability to play his best footy consistently, but provided an opportunity for personal development and a great preparation for life after football.
While he couldn’t always contribute on the field, Nicoski was always a leader off it and he was a popular choice as the best clubman in 2010, despite playing just six games for the season due to a recurring shoulder injury.
He spent 2010 mentoring young players Ryan Neates, Gerrick Weedon and Lewis Broome. Nicoski nominates embracing those young players, after the Round One win against North Melbourne the following season, as one of the most satisfying moments in his career.
Nicoski credits his teammates for keeping him motivated during his injury struggles and it’s them he wants to help in life after football, through his ambitions to work in a development role at club level.
“The football club was really loyal and I couldn’t have got drafted by a better club in my eyes.”
“They pretty much are who [teammates and coaches] you are continually striving to get better for, I always knew that if someone else had been in my position I wouldn’t expect them to give up and that’s how I thought my teammates looked at my situation.”
His advice to young players, “don’t waste a second”.
“When you get drafted you are always going to a place that wants to make you better as a footballer and a person, it’s important to open up and embrace that it will go a long way to ensuring you have longevity and a career and you’ll be happier at the end.”
After his wrist injury Nicoski didn’t have many options on the field, but he walks away from the game with plenty off it.
Nicoski has completed a commerce degree – one he admits took him 10 years to complete – a level 2 coaching qualification and in recent years he has been trying his hand at TV presenting with travel program Postcards and in the garden with, Greenfingers.
“Those that know me I am probably your typical European. I just like the limestone and the hose. I’m not a great gardener,” Nicoski, who is half-Macedonian and half-Croatian, laughs.
“It’s been really enjoyable and exciting to be active and it’s just another part of developing a different avenue or option for when I come out of the game.”
“John Worsfold was really big on his players doing something outside of football…
“You don’t know when the game is going to tap you on the shoulder but its crucial to plan for life after.”
Some of the conversations i had with wce supporters at tonights game ill remember forever! #thankstoyou #amazingsupport #amazingclub
— Mark Nicoski (@marknicoski) August 17, 2013
Mark Nicoski played 112 AFL games and kicked 61 goals. He represented Australia in the 2011 International Rules series, is a two-time Subiaco premiership player and was the best clubman in 2010.