Melbourne Storm’s Tom Eisenhuth has reflected on his time at the club with pride and gratitude as the fan favourite bids farewell to the purple jersey.
A member of the leadership group for the last two seasons, Eisenhuth played 58 of his 59 games for Storm, 18 of those in a career best season this year.
After debuting for the Penrith Panthers in Round 24, 2012, Eisenhuth didn’t play first grade football for 2398-days which included a stint on the sideline with a larynx fracture. He was given another opportunity months after joining Storm when he was selected to play in Craig Bellamy’s Round 1 side against the Brisbane Broncos in 2019.
Eisenhuth said it has been a rewarding journey.
“It's been a been a really good one [journey], I came down here only playing the one game many years before and I’m really proud to have played 50 games and a few extra for this club, it's been an unreal journey,” Eisenhuth said.
“I was just grateful for the opportunity, you put in a lot of hard work to work on your craft as a kid and to get an opportunity and to have another crack at the dream … I was just really fortunate.
“It's been really good year for me, off the back of the year before I think I only managed to play a handful of games. So, to come out and play as much footy as I did this year, dodge a few injuries, and play some good football … we made it to the prelim [preliminary final], disappointing that we couldn't go any further but for me personally it was a pretty good year.
“This club has such a good connection with their old boys, and you know to have that number [Storm player no. 192] and a few years down the line be able to come back and catch up with all those people I've played with and even the ones that I didn't … it's just it's nice to have that connection.”
Storm General Manager Football, Frank Ponissi, thanked Eisenhuth for his contribution and dedication to the club.
“Tom has been integral member of our squad throughout his time and is highly popular and respected among his teammates and the wider club,” Ponissi said.
“Tom has shown an incredible level of strength and resilience throughout his journey in overcoming a series of injury setbacks. The way that he has taken to those challenges both on and off the field is admirable and a testament to the person he is.
“We deeply thank Tom, his partner Hannah and his little boy Henry, for their contribution to the club over their time. They will always be welcome back to the club and we wish them all the best for their next chapter.”
