Casey Barber – 100 games and one for the record books

Casey Barber will run out for his 100^th senior appearance for the Tigers this Saturday to record a history making game as the first player to follow in his forebear’s footsteps in over 100 years of the club’s existence.

Casey is part of Mayne Tigers royalty with his grandfather Donald playing 221 games through the 1950’s and 1960’s including several premierships in that period. His father Gordon also played for the Tigers along with his grandfather’s brothers Rod and Neville. It is therefore a wonderful piece of history for Casey to carry on the family name on to the 100 game board with his grandfather, an achievement which has not happened before now.

Casey played made his senior debut in 2020, was awarded Most Improved in 2021 and if not for injury at different times he has been a lock in selection week to week. He is now a regular member of the senior leadership group in recognition of the regard that he is held within the Tigers hierarchy.

A wiry utility player in the Barber mold, Casey has played at both ends of the field as well as in the midfield over his impressive journey to this milestone. He is the ultimate player who can perform at a high level no matter the position, be that kicking goals, roving in the midfield or effecting the modern kick out role, a rare attribute in any era.

Casey is a member of the Tigers 2024 Centenary and 2025 Premiership teams reprising his Grandfather’s efforts of the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Well known for his laconic approach, he is a much respected player and person within the playing group as well as across the club.

The Mayne Tigers congratulates Casey on reaching this impressive milestone and looks forward to him playing many more in the years to come.

The following tributes have been provided by some of Casey’s Coaches and Team mates recognising the esteem he holds within the senior group.

Barbs arrived at Mayne as a developing player still finding his feet at senior level. Over the past five years, he’s developed into a genuine senior footballer and an important part of our team. Starting as a crafty small forward, he added midfield minutes to his game, and more recently has found a home across half-back, where he’s been playing some of the best footy of his career. No matter where he’s been asked to play, he’s embraced the challenge and continued to grow as a footballer.

Congratulations, Barbs on a well-earned milestone. Look forward to plenty more games in the Mayne colours.

Jack Gartlan - Coach

Congratulations to Casey on reaching 100 senior games for the Mayne Tigers. Casey has been a valued member of our playing group for many years and is the type of person every club wants around. He is team-first, reliable and always willing to do whatever is required for the success of the team. What stands out most is the way he has genuine care for his teammates. To see Casey reach this milestone while continuing such a proud family connection to the Tigers makes the achievement even more special. Casey 100 games is an unbelievable achievement and thank you for your contribution to the club.

Jeremy Watts – Coach

It does not matter where you put Barbs on the field, he will rip shreds through the opposition anywhere in the forwards, backs or mids. Having him down back with me this season has been fantastic, it’s always easy to give it off to Casey and let him cook. And you know he’s got your back every Saturday - there’s no messing about with this guy on the field.  Contrast that against his personality off the pitch - one of the easiest blokes ever to have a chat to and always good for a laugh (unless you bring up his Sandgate history). It’s awesome to see another name added to the legendary roll call of Barbers at the Mayne Tigers. Go hard in game 100 #3

Kyle Henry

Barbs is a smooth operator. Clean skills, fast,  competitive and leads by example. He's a weapon in any position. Great bloke too. Congratulations on 100 games Barbs!

James Stolz

Love watching him take a bounce and turn defense into attack every game. He is a great clubman off field and a respected teammate - someone you want in the line up every week. No surprise he has reached 100 games with his consistent and professional approach. 

Congrats on 100 games Barbs! 

Jasper Craven

I’ve played with Casey for 2 years and we’ve managed to win 2 flags together. Off the field he’s super positive, always up and about at training and easy to have a chat to. On the field Barbs can play any position he needs to and can run the ball out of the backline as silky as anyone I’ve seen. Congrats on the 100 games brother.

Eddie Mallan

Congratulations Casey! 100 great Mayne Tiger games! From playing forward, wing, mid and now back. Nothing you won’t do for the club! Love playing with you now and into the future! 

Jack Coghlan

Huge milestone for Barbs and one he should be very proud of!! He has come a long way since the quiet young fella that walked in to the club in 2020 - 2 time premiership player and member of the leadership group the last 3 years speaks to his commitment to the club and the respect he has from the players and coaches. Has played just about every position on the field, from starting as a goal sneak, moving into the midfield, and now potentially having his best year playing at half back. Plays any role the team asks and just gets it done, which is why everyone loves having him out there!

Congrats on 100 seniors games for the mighty Mayne Tigers!!

Jack Collings 9#

Congrats Casey! A great milestone for your footy career. It has been awesome to see how you have come leaps and bounds as a footballer and person in my time with you at the club, playing in numerous different positions but constantly a solid contributor in all aspects of the game for the last two Senior Premiership sides and earlier. The last name holds a lot of weight, and you have absolutely continued the legacy and continue to each and every week. Hard at it, gritty and someone you can rely on to stand up when the game may be slipping away from us. Looking forward to running out with you on Saturday and celebrating this achievement.

Ryan Doolan

Congrats Barbs on reaching the 100 games milestone! Since you've come to the club you've been a consistently hard worker and a versatile player having gone through the forwards, mids and backs when needed. Barbs has barely missed a game due to his training standards and has developed into a quality leader for the group. Super grateful to have you at the club as you work super hard on field and are a great bloke off the field. Looking forward to many more games to come and hopefully we can get the job done for you on the weekend! 

Daniel Schmidt

Congrats on 100 games barbs. I remember playing against you when you played at Sandgate, always hated coming against you way to fast and way to skillful. Give em heaps this weekend looking forward to the next 100

Zac Puncken 

Massive congrats to Barbs on his 100th game milestone!! A genuinely ripper bloke that will always make time for a chat, a great leader of the club and someone I love running out on the park with every Saturday. Despite his questionable decision to start his career at Sandgate, he’s come to his senses and made amends since then. The Barber name is a big one in terms of Mayne Tiger club history and he’s definitely only contributing to the awesome legacy they have. All the best for this weekend mate, keen to see you tear it up as always and looking forward for what’s to come!

Zach Quin

I’ve played with Barbs over the last 6 seasons who has become a great mate of mine over that time. He’s the first bloke I’ll go to for a kick before games or a post game debrief Tuesday at training. Barbs is a workhorse who rarely misses training and is first on the track in preseason. On the field he is one of the most selfless and dynamic players I’ve played with, whether he is kicking snags in the forward half, on the ball or dominating off the half back line this season. He can do it all! Incredible achievement crossing over 100 games and a great addition to the famous Barber legacy down at Mayne Tigers.

Louis Quin

Congrats Casey on the big 100 games achievement! Been one of the more consistent performers over his time at Mayne and shows a great versatility to play in any position. Someone that I love running out with each week and a great clubman, with such a rich family history at the club. All the best on Saturday and make sure you sneak forward for a snag!!

Zac McLean