Introduction
Justin Koschitzke is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the St. Kilda Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL) for over a decade. He was known for his height and athleticism, and his impressive career saw him earn several awards and achievements. Even though Justin was a famous football player, there are still many things you might not know about him. In this blog post, we will delve into ten fascinating facts about Justin Koschitzke that you didn’t know.
A Journey of a Thousand Steps
Justin Koschitzke’s journey in football started when he was very young. Born on August 20, 1982, Justin grew up in Victoria, Australia, and started playing football at a young age. He played football competitively throughout his childhood, and in 2000, when he was just 18 years old, he was drafted to the St. Kilda Football Club.
The Height Advantage
One of the most distinctive features about Justin Koschitzke was his height. He stands at a towering 6’8″, making him one of the tallest players to ever play in the AFL. Koschitzke’s height gave him a significant advantage on the football field, as he was able to take high marks and compete for the ball in the air.
The Captaincy
In 2009, Justin Koschitzke was appointed as co-captain of the St. Kilda Football Club alongside Nick Riewoldt. This was a significant achievement for Koschitzke, as he was only 27 years old at the time. Koschitzke served as co-captain for two seasons before stepping down from the role.
Injury Woes
Throughout his career, Justin Koschitzke was plagued with injuries. He suffered several setbacks, including knee and hamstring injuries that forced him to miss games. Despite his injuries, Koschitzke remained determined and resilient, always working hard to get back on the field.
The Goal Kicker
Justin Koschitzke was primarily known for his marking ability, but he was also a talented goal-kicker. Throughout his career, he kicked a total of 160 goals for the St. Kilda Football Club. His best season for goals kicked was in 2005, where he kicked 36 goals in 22 games.
Away from Football
When Justin Koschitzke wasn’t playing football, he enjoyed spending time with his family and pursuing other hobbies. He was an avid photographer and loved taking pictures of his family and friends. He also enjoyed surfing, camping, and fishing.
Life After Football
After retiring from football in 2013, Justin Koschitzke pursued a career in real estate. He currently works as a licensed real estate agent for the Marshall White Group. Koschitzke is also involved in charity work, volunteering his time for various organizations.
FAQs
Q: What was Justin Koschitzke’s career highlight?
A: Justin’s career highlight was when he played in the 2010 AFL Grand Final for St. Kilda, despite having a broken collarbone at the time.
Q: Did Justin Koschitzke win any awards?
A: Yes, Koschitzke won the St. Kilda Football Club’s Most Improved Player Award in 2003 and their Best Clubman Award in 2011.
Q: Did Justin Koschitzke ever play for another team?
A: No, Koschitzke played his entire AFL career for the St. Kilda Football Club.
Q: How many games did Justin Koschitzke play?
A: Koschitzke played a total of 200 games for the St. Kilda Football Club between 2001 and 2013.
Q: What was Justin Koschitzke’s role on the team?
A: Koschitzke played as a forward/ruckman for the St. Kilda Football Club, using his height to his advantage.
Q: What is Justin Koschitzke doing now?
A: Justin Koschitzke is currently working as a licensed real estate agent for the Marshall White Group.
Q: Was Justin Koschitzke ever suspended?
A: Yes, Koschitzke was suspended for one match in 2006 after striking an opponent during a game.
Conclusion
Justin Koschitzke is a former Australian rules footballer that played for the St. Kilda Football Club. He was known for his height, athleticism, and impressive career. While many people know him for his football career, he is also an avid photographer and enjoys spending time with his family. We hope these ten fascinating facts have given you a better understanding of Justin Koschitzke’s life both on and off the football field.