This Saturday will be about more than just goals and wins for Melton footballers.
Clubs from both the Riddell District and Ballarat Football leagues are preparing to honour Australia’s service men and women in a range of blockbuster Anzac Day matches.
Across the two leagues, Melton clubs will host three games, creating a smorgasbord of action for local football fans.
Rockbank has been involved in Anzac Day football since 2013, initially taking on Sunbury in a stand-alone clash.
This year the Rams will host Wallan.
Rockbank president Mark Smith said his club had developed a strong passion for playing on Anzac Day.
Rockbank’s Leigh Sobotnicki and Jake Armistead show off the club’s new jumpers ahead of Anzac Day. Photo: Damian Visentini
“We do really embrace it and look forward to it,” he said.
“It’s a big day and the players take it very seriously.
“Similar to the Collingwood and Essendon clashes, they get very pumped up over it.
“We play The Last Post before each game and it really adds to the occasion,” he said.
“We are very lucky to be able to host the game. We put a bit of money away and we will donate it to one of the local RSLs.”
Although it’s early in the season, Saturday’s match is looming as a potential eight-point game for both the Rams and Magpies.
Rockbank finished sixth on the RDFL ladder last year while Wallan missed out on a place in the finals, coming eighth.
“There hasn’t been much between us in the last couple of years,” Smith said.
“They don’t seem to have lost many players in the off-season and, if anything, they have probably gained a couple.
“They are a good young side and they play very hard football. We are fairly happy with our pre-season. It is all coming together late for us, which is just like usual.”
Saturday will also see another Anzac Day rivalry clash between Bacchus Marsh and Darley.
The two BFL clubs kicked off the tradition last year, with the Cobras causing the upset, beating Darley at Darley Park by 12 points, 10.14 (74) – 8.14 (62).
Both sides have improved their lists in the off-season, the Cobras adding West Preston Lakeside duo Peter Shepherd and Steve Shaw while Harley Nancarrow has crossed over from Epping.
Darley has also been busy at the recruiting table, signing Andrew Challis from the Geelong and District Football League and Nathan Lyons from the Essendon District Football League.
Bacchus Marsh president Adam Sutherland said he is hoping to create a long term tradition between the two sides.
“In a football sense, it is going to be the biggest day of the year for us,” he said.
“Playing Darley adds another layer to it.
“We would like to think that both clubs can honour the Anzacs as well as build it into something that, from a Ballarat League point of view, can rival Essendon and Collingwood.
“We want it to be an event. In that process, we want to raise the recognition of the Anzacs and people who have fought for our country.”
To gain an extra insight into Anzac Day football, the Cobras have enlisted some star power.
Bacchus Marsh players and supporters will have the opportunity to listen to Essendon premiership player John Barnes on the eve of the match.
Throughout his 202-game career, Barnes played in multiple Anzac Day matches for the Bombers against Collingwood.
“We wanted someone who has played in those Anzac Day games himself and understands the significance and the importance of playing and how big a day it actually is,” Sutherland said.
“We will be encouraging our players and members to attend the Anzac Day service.
“Throughout the day we will be working with the RSL. We will be doing everything by their timetable and scheduling.”
The Cobras are looking to continue their perfect start to the new BFL season after a round one win against Sebastopol last week.
Meanwhile, Darley will be hoping not to repeat the mistakes of the past season.
The Devils started 2014 by winning only one of their first six games before storming home to finish fourth.
“Darley played finals last year and they have recruited well,” Sutherland said.
“We will be on our home ground and we got up last year. From our end, I think it is totally achievable again.”
Melton teams taking part in Anzac Day football
Bacchus Marsh vs Darley
Maddingley Park, 3.30pm
Two of the BFL’s biggest rivals square off on Anzac Day for the second year in a row in what is fast becoming a must-see game. Last year it was the Cobras who caused the upset, defeating Darley at home by 12 points.
Melton vs Sebastopol
MacPherson Park, 6.15pm
It will be back-to-back marquee games to start the season for Melton in the BFL. After drawing with cross-town rival Melton South last week, the Bloods will be looking for a first win when they take on competition struggler Sebastopol. The match will be played under lights at MacPherson Park.
Rockbank vs Wallan
Ian Cowie Reserve, 2pm
This will be the third year in a row RDFL club Rockbank has played on Anzac Day. However, this will be the first time the side has played the Magpies. The Rams will once again embrace the day, teaming up with the RSL to help pay tribute to the Anzacs. On field, both sides will be hunting a win with the pair vying for a spot in the league’s top six.
Sunbury Kangaroos vs Diggers Rest
Eric Boardman Reserve, 2.30pm
Last year’s runners-up. Diggers Rest, travel to Sunbury for an Anzac Day blockbuster. Both the Burras and the Kangaroos finished inside the top six last season and both have improved their respective lists. The teams will attend the inaugural Sunbury dawn service after which Sunbury RSL will conduct a ceremony before the bounce of the ball at Eric Boardman Reserve.
Macedon vs Melton Centrals
Tony Clarke Reserve, 2pm
Melton Centrals hit the road to take on Macedon in what is looming as a huge clash for both teams. After finishing 10th and 11th respectively on the RDFL ladder last season, both sides are 1-0 and looking more settled.
