Sport
17 July, 2026
Natte legend Stephen Ross reaches 400 senior games
For the 400th time in his storied career, Stephen Ross will don the red and white of his beloved Natte Bealiba Football Netball Club and take the field in Saturday’s seniors clash with Navarre as the Swans celebrate the historic milestone of their finest legend.
Since making his seniors debut in round 13 of the 2000 Lexton Plains Football League season against Landsborough, Stephen has been a staple of Natte’s senior squad for over a quarter of a century.
His decorated resume speaks volumes to his on-field excellence.
Arguably his greatest achievement is his eight club best and fairest medals, an award named in honour of his father and 344-gamer Selwyn Ross.
With three premiership medals, including one as best on ground in 2011 and another as captain in 2019, a Lexton Plains best and fairest in 2008, a season where he was also an AFL Victoria Country representative, and 121 games as senior captain, there’s a case for Stephen to be Natte’s greatest ever player.
That case is only getting stronger, as even after breaking Rod Fielding’s senior football games record for Natte during their 2024 premiership campaign, Stephen has remained among the MCDFNL’s best on-ballers, earning Team of the Year selection last season.
Yet as he reflects on all of those accomplishments ahead of his momentous 400th game, Stephen has remained incredibly modest, stating he’s treating Saturday’s milestone as just another game.
“It doesn’t bother me too much, to be honest. I hope my family is proud of me. I lost my mum and dad when I was pretty young, so I hope they’re proud and I’ve got three boys that I hope look up to me,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky not getting injured much and fortunate to have a bit of success along the way and met some good friends.”
Alongside his storied footballing career, Stephen has had an immeasurable impact in off-field roles at the Swans, most notably playing an integral role in restoring the club’s junior program as junior football manager.
Many of the junior players Stephen has coached have gone from promising pupils to standout teammates, joining Stephen at the senior level.
Stephen said his unwavering dedication and commitment are fuelled by the unbridled love for his boyhood club.
“I’ve been lucky to grow up next to such a great club,” he said.
“It’s like a big family really. There’s nothing else here, so it’s just a community that catches up on the weekend and has a good time together.
“I would like this club to continue and without juniors, it’s probably not going to, so that’s why it’s important to have them coming through.
“It’s extra special playing with the boys that I’ve coached and it’s great to see their development all of the way through.
“I’ve got three boys that love playing here so it’s important to give them the opportunity that I’ve had.”
As the club celebrates Stephen becoming the first Natte player to reach 400 games, all senior players will wear a commemorative jumper at Navarre Sports Complex this weekend, a touching tribute Stephen said represents what he treasures about his career.
“The jumpers are unreal, it’s a very kind gesture and I’ll cherish that forever,” he said.
“Everyone says Grand Finals but probably the best highlights are all the mateships you make over the journey.
“I’ve played with some really great people that I’ll be mates with forever.”
While currently in the midst of his 26th season, Ross said he not only wants to keep helping Natte’s rapid mid-season ascension and play his 46th finals game in 2026, but also contribute to future footballing success.
“I’d like to keep going for as long as I can. I’m just trying to stay fit and healthy and I’d love to play with my three boys if I can at some stage,” he said.
“I’m old, but I’m still trying to improve otherwise you’re going to drop off. Every year is a new challenge and hopefully I can keep putting work into my body to keep getting out there.”