ANZAC Day footy - City V Country at Harrup Park
Another Anzac Day rolls around. There are fewer and fewer diggers to celebrate and remember. So it is pleasing to see the younger generation ready, willing and able to help commemorate not only the surviving diggers, but to foster respect, and pay homage to all of our Australian Serviceman and women who sacrificed; in order that we can play footy, and live the type of life that we all enjoy.
The Anzac Day football match was the brainchild of the Great Kevin Sheedy, and the principal of it is adopted here in the Tropical North region of Mackay, where a fierce rivalry between two teams, City V Country, has quickly developed.
Many players see this opportunity to play in this game as a very big honour, and rightly so, as it is a showcase of our game in this region. It is especially a gesture of appreciation and respect for our diggers, serviceman and women in all of the Australian Armed forces.
The City team is made up of players from the Mackay City Hawks, the Eastern Swans, the North Mackay Saints, and some players who play for the composite team, The Crows under 18 side, representing all seven clubs.
The Country team comprises of players from the Bakers Creek Tigers, the Northern Beaches Magpies, the Mighty Moranbah Bulldogs, and the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.
As last year's match resulted in a stirring win for the City Team 16.9.105pts to Country 7.6.48 pts. I am sure City will be looking for a repeat performance, while Country have a point to prove and are equally determined to get a win.
Watch for exciting games from both the Wade boys from the Hawks, Tim Bone, Zeek Gosage and Des Hayes from the Hawks. Look for contributions from Brendan Riddle, Nathan Peters and Sam Bilal from the Saints, and some action from Swans Kurt Roderick and Leon Hughes. Todd Carbone and Daniel Rundle are looking for big games representing the Crows. David Johnson coaches the City team this year.
Expect big performances from Robbie and John Vagg in the midfield, as well as Timothy Wauchope, all from the Tigers. Hayden Lang always performs well representing the Magpies and Crows, as will Cody Blight. The Bulldogs have got Dave Greeham and John Miles among others. The Sea Eagles from Airlie Beach have Ryan Dempsey and Denholm Brockley in the side. Darren Crossley is coaching the Country team. These players, coaches, plus the rest of the players in both teams, will be giving their all, not only to win the game, but also to be a part of what is a marquee event, on the AFL Mackay calendar.
It promises to be a great day, a highlight of the Mackay AFL season. Harrup Park is a great venue to take the family to watch the game. There will be ex-serviceman and women in attendance, as members of the RSL and the invited crews from two visiting Navy ships docked at the Harbour so the day also will include Anzac traditions, the Last Post and the National Anthem. A minute silence is a solemn and respectful occasion to honour our fallen and deceased heroes. The Mackay League believes it will ensure a fitting tribute to all serviceman and women, both serving and non-serving.
The game starts at 12.00 high noon sharp at Harrup Park, on Anzac Day Wednesday 25th of April. There will be many attractions for the whole family to enjoy, so get along to a Local AFL game, and cheer on your favourite team!