The Courier |
IT might not be the oldest of traditions, but it is a tradition that continues to grow stronger. East Point meets Ballarat today – the Anzac Day clash that is now in its fifth instalment in the Ballarat Football League.
No longer do two matches feature on Anzac Day in the Red Onion Creative BFL; the proposed Darley versus Melton South tradition only lasted one year in 2008.
Now, it is up to the Roos and Swans to keep the tradition alive in Ballarat football, with both clubs nominating before season start that they wished to play on the day.
BFL operations manager Aaron Nunn said the rivalry had developed over the years and had become a regular fixture in the league.
And as for people who are thinking about staying home to watch the Collingwood-Essendon match, there will even be a television set up inside so people can watch both games at once.
“The two clubs are really keen on developing a rivalry for Anzac Day, it’s something we want to develop as well,” Nunn said.
Aside from the obvious Redan and Sunbury rivalry, there are few others that have been so memorable in recent times.
In the last four finals series, East Point and Ballarat have met three times, with the Roos winning two out of the three clashes. However, the Swans have won the past three Anzac Day clashes.
East Point coach Dan Jordan admitted he was tempted to swing the axe following last week’s 108-point drubbing at the hands of North Ballarat City.
But he has decided team stability is the most important thing early in the season, with just two changes to last week’s side. “We want to try and settle it down early in the year,” he said.
Key position player Jake Dunne and forward Brent Fitzpatrick have earned a senior call up after both being named among the best in the reserves last week, while Tom Cashin and Nick O’Keefe make way.
For Ballarat, coach Ash Baker said he hoped to keep a similar line-up to last week’s winning team. Ashley Ilsley and Damian Larkin are expected to replace Ashley Simpson and Sam Caldow.
Last time they met: East Point 17.17 (119) d Ballarat 13.13 (91), first elimination final, 2012.
MATCH SCHEDULES
Reserves football: 1pm
Senior football: 3.15pm
U/18 football: 5.30pm
C-grade netball: 1pm
B-grade netball: 2pm
A-grade netball: 3pm
U/18.5 netball: 4.15pm
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