By Pat Kerin
Blues footballer Joel Pearson joins an elite group of footballers on Saturday when he plays his 250th match for Blues in the preliminary against ADFA at ANU’s South Oval.
Debuting in 2008, as a 16 year -old the talented footballer is now in his 18th season and has been a consistent footballer for the Blues close to two decades.
A highlight for Joel in 2013 was being named at full back in the Blues team of the decade [2004-2013]. Joel was again selected in the team of the decade [2004-23] again holding down back at full back.
A major highlight of any footballer is to be a premiership player. In 2014 Joel was a proud member of the Blues side that defeated Yass in the grand final.
Another highlight for Joel was in 2015 when he was named best on ground playing for AFL Canberra Division four and Regional Grade against the Sapphire Coast with the AFL Canberra running out big winners by 53 pts.
In playing 250 matches for the Blues, Joel joins an elite nine other Blues players to chalk up 250 matches. They are John Connell [250], Greg Rudd [254], Dennis Bradbury [254], Brent Milthorpe [257], Garrie Cooper [269], Rod Bradley [271], John Walton [287], David Harris [289] and club record holder for the most games, Todd Basham with 294.
The last Blues footballer to play 250 matches for the Blues, was Todd Basham in 2006.
For most Joel’s time with the Blues has played full back. A strong mark and ability to break through tackles and with his long racking kicks, he is able to quickly drive the Blue’s into attack.
This season Joel saw a positional change, moving up forward to full forward. A position he revelled in winning the league goal kicking award with 58 goals. During his 18 seasons, where he has mainly played down back, Joel has still booted 198 goals.
Joel’s major club highlight was in 2023 when he won the best & fairest. In the past seasons, Joel has taken on leadership roles. Co- Captain 2020- 2022, captain 2023-24.
His strong football has seen him win the Ron Neiuwendyk award three times, 2016, 2023 and 2024. This award is a prestigious one which is awarded to the Blues player who polls the most league votes.
Three times, 2010, 2015 and 2021 Joel was awarded the most consistent player where he has finished third in the best and fairest.
Joel Pearson is a dedicated footballer for the Blues who for most of his career, he has juggled football with shift work on the railway with Pacific National as an engine driver and on more than a few occasions has come straight from work to play footy. In fact 16 of Joel’s 18 seasons, he has been a shift worker.
Well played Joel. Let’s hope Saturday’s match is not the last match for season 2026.
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