By EMMA SUN
MONBULK Junior Football Club’s under-16s will play Olinda-Ferny Creek Football Club in an Anzac Day clash this week.
In a junior club first, the team will join Monbulk’s senior football players on the green for a historical game.
Considered the biggest home-and-away match of the season, the match between the close rivals will be one to watch.
Junior club president Mark Mannens said the commemorative event was a great opportunity for the teams to showcase their skills and team spirit to the biggest crowds of the year.
“It will be an honour for our under-16s to be involved with the senior football club and, more importantly, an honour to be involved on such a momentous and historical occasion, Anzac Day,” he said.
He said it was particularly exciting this year as there nearly wasn’t an under-16 team last year due to a lack of players.
“An article in the Mail highlighted their plight whilst also introducing readers to our new coach, Colin Dell, who had coached for 30 years after a successful career as a player for the AFL,” he said.
“Interest grew and Monbulk was able to field a team. 2012 proved to be a season of development and culminated in some very competitive results and gradual scoreboard success.
“This year has seen a dramatic improvement of player numbers and the team unity has the club swelling with pride.”
The under-16s game will start at 11am on Anzac Day, followed by the reserves match against Upwey-Tecoma. The senior match will start at 2.45pm, after the Last Post.
