Magazine - AFL Comes to Mildura

By Editor in A.F.L on 22nd Dec 2009 18:50

The Australian Football League, Mildura Rural City Council and the Sunraysia Football League are coming together to bring an AFL match to Mildura.

The initiative, initially driven by Kevin Sheedy and the Essendon Football Club, will bring the Bombers and Richmond – the team with the strongest supporter base in Sunraysia – to Quandong Park in Red Cliffs for a twilight match.

A portion of the proceeds from the match, to be held on Friday March 17 from 4:30pm, will go to a memorial fund set up in memory of the six teenagers who lost their lives last month in Cardross.  Preparations on the oval have begun with intense watering and mowing, with the AFL giving the surface the all-clear.

The ground’s facilities will also receive a face-lift in the lead-up to the match, while other measures are sure to be taken to accommodate the expected crowd.  Suggestions both clubs would field full-strength sides for the hit-out have served to heighten interest, but Mildura Rural City Council mayor Eddie Warhurst said the gesture alone was deeply appreciated.  “The community has something to look forward to,” he said.

Councillor Warhurst said news of the idea was initially overwhelming.  “It is wonderful to know people outside this community are thinking of us and what we as a community have gone through.  “The way the two clubs and the AFL have embraced the idea is commendable, and a real lifter for all of us.

“Sport, particularly AFL, is important to this community and I anticipate a wonderful atmosphere at Red Cliffs for the game,” he said.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said the league wanted the Mildura community to understand they had support from across the football world.  “The recent loss of six young lives has been a terrible blow for Mildura and saddened everyone who has heard the news,” Mr Demetriou said.  “This match is a way the AFL family thought it could help the people of Mildura.”

Sunraysia Football League President Neil Hurley said the football fraternity would be excited to watch two of the most popular AFL clubs in Mildura play for such a worthy cause.  “I invite all football clubs, senior and junior and in all local leagues as well as netball clubs; to play some part on the day,” he said.

Clubs and individuals wishing to assist with the event can register their names with the SFL’s Administration Officer Rhys Brymer on 5022 0606 during business hours.

Read more articles in A.F.L, by Editor or from December 2009.