Kris Martinick has been a part of Associates for his entire life.
He’s touched every part of the club, from an Under 9 playing rugby for the first time, through to becoming the President of the Club. He’s played colts rugby, representative rugby, university rugby and seniors. He’s part of the fabric of Associates Rugby Union Football Club.
This weekend, Kris will play his 100th Premier Grade cap, at age 42.
“I love the game, but had given up on ever reaching 100 premier grade caps, as I was getting too old,” Martinick shared.
“At 42, I’m proud of myself for getting as fit and strong as possible to keep competitive. I’ve lost speed and agility, but I haven’t lost my passion for the game, the club and my teammates.”
Martinick started playing at Associates in Under 9s, and played in the juniors' program through to Colts, where he won a Premiership before moving to Grade rugby. He shone on the field, being picked in 2003 to be part of Perth Gold.
“2004 was my most defining year,” he commented, on the year after his first representative selection. “I was lucky to be awarded the RugbyWA Most Improved Player, PG Hampshire 2nd place, Perth Gold Player of the Year and [Associates] Best and Fairest.”
He followed up in 2005 with a selection to the Australian Universities Team, where he toured the United Kingdom, before moving to Canberra for a year to join the Brumbies Academy.
“I played with Wests (Western District Rugby Union Club) over there and won my first Premier Grade Premiership. In fact, that year Wests clean swept the competition and we won a Premiership in every grade.”
He then returned to Perth in 2006, joining the Western Force Academy in their first year of competition.
A knee injury stopped him from progressing into the Super Rugby career he was heading towards, but it didn’t stop his love for the game.
“I... played rugby as a hobby in Brisbane with GPS [Rugby Club] and Sydney. Rugby was my way of making friends in new cities.”
He returned to Perth in 2019 and came back to the club of his youth – Associates.
A big milestone for Martinick, with a lot of meaning. “This is the club I grew up playing for and one that my family has strong associations with.”
“Rugby is truly a special game which builds resilience, sportsmanship, respect and tests you like very few other physical activities. I love the rivalry on the field and the friendship off the field.”
But for Martinick, the milestone isn’t the last he wants to tick off in his time at Associates, following his role in the side’s 2024 Premier Grade victory, and his 100th cap.
“This milestone will complete the second of my milestone trifecta; Premiership [in the] Premier Grade, 100 premier grade caps and the last outstanding one is to play a game of rugby with my son and his teammates, who I have coached since they were under 6s.”
A stalwart of the club, and a true story of club success and dedication, Martinick’s story truly embodies what it means to play rugby, and be part of this community. His time and work are acknowledged by his club, sharing the impact he’s had on all those around him.
“His dedication to our Club, at all levels, sees no bounds,” Club Registrar, Ellen Tolmie, shared, “... he puts his body on the line, wears his heart on his sleeve and gives his all, not only in every tackle, ruck or carry on the field but also in every aspect of his other roles within the club, being Club President as well as Junior Coach!”
“He is a leader who drives standards on and off the field, and we appreciate his commitment and consistency as he leads by action and example.”
Martinick will start against Palmyra this weekend at Tompkins Park in his 100th Cap in the Fortescue Premier Grade. Congratulations on your incredible achievement, Kris!
