Border Mail | THE Chiltern Football Netball Club is throwing open its gates this weekend and offering free entry for local supporters.
The Swans are hoping the Chiltern Community Open Day will encourage as many locals as possible through the turnstiles as they take on Yackandandah.
“We would love every one of our 1800 locals to jump on board and come through the gates,” club president Michael Eames said.
“But even if there was just one extra family who hasn’t seen a Chiltern home game before, we would be more than happy with that too.”
This time around Yackandandah supporters will still have to pay normal entry fees, though Eames said the club would look to change that in the future.
“Yackandandah is a great club and they always have a good supporter base at our games,” he said.
“Unfortunately we can’t afford to bring the whole of the Indigo Shire in for free this time.
“However, it could be something we look at in the future to continue to drive community interest in our country football and netball club.”
The club also plans to run activities for kids on the day.
The Swans are travelling well so far this season, with a 2-2 record including a narrow three-point loss to Barnawartha.
And they’re doing it while nurturing local young talent.
“We were a bit disappointed not to come away with the points there,” club official Jarrod O’Neill said.
“But we’re playing decent footy at the moment.”
Among those playing well are youngsters Robert Phibbs and Connor Price.
“Phibbs is 16 and he’s played every game of senior footy this year and was best against Dederang,” O’Neill said.
“He’s a strongly-built junior and a really good utility type player who’s still learning a lot from some of the experienced guys.
“Connor Price played his first senior game as a developing ruckman and has a good future.
“The Hibberson boys (Brad and Bodie) are really good with the kids, while players like Dane O’Neill and Tom Dickson have played O and M — so there’s some good older blokes out there too.”
The community open day was the brainchild of Chiltern resident Craig Price, who floated the idea at a club forum.
Spectators are asked to present their licence or rates notice as proof of residency.
