SOUTH Bendigo and Balwyn football clubs will honour the memory of Shaun Bergin later this month.

The clubs announced yesterday that each season they will play for the Shaun Bergin Memorial Cup, starting at the QEO on March 31 this year.

Bergin tragically passed away in September last year after suffering severe head injuries in an on-field incident while playing for Balwyn in the Eastern Football League.

Bergin played his junior football with South Bendigo before being given a rookie listed by Hawthorn.

He returned to play senior football with South Bendigo from 2007 until 2010 playing 69 games and kicking 75 goals.

The clubs expect the inaugural match will commence a tradition that brings together family, friends and team-mates of Shaun to celebrate his life.

The annual match will rotate between the respective clubs' home grounds as the final lead-up to their respective seasons.

The match starts at 2pm and entry is by gold coin donation.

By Adam Bourke

Article first appeared The Bendigo Advertiser 01 Mar, 2012