NEIGHBOURS Moe and Morwell face a short turn around as they prepare to do battle on one of the nation’s most important days at Vale Street Reserve. The Valley clubs will clash in the Gippsland League’s first ANZAC Day match, and if successful it won’t be the last.
“We are excited to play on such a special day,” Morwell coach Harmit Singh said.
The towns’ respective Returned and Services Leagues have been invited to take part with a ceremony to be held prior to the opening bounce of the seniors, and all service members will receive free entry.
“It’s also really important we honour the spirit of ANZAC Day .. we intend to have an award for the most courageous player, although we understand what happens on the footy field is nothing compared to what our veterans went through .. we want to honour them, and those currently serving,” Moe Football Club president Ian Needham said.
The Lions and the Tigers will do battle at the later time of 4.30pm on Thursday afternoon, with the under 16s not starting until 1pm due to the restrictions that apply to ANZAC Day. The under 18s will play under lights after the seniors. The highly anticipated AFL clash between Collingwood and Essendon will be on the big screen.
Both teams are hoping for a big crowd.“It’s Moe’s home game. However I’d hope to see plenty of Morwell people there, it will be a big game, a great thing for the competition,” Singh said.
Fresh from a win at home over Warragul, Morwell shifted straight into recovery mode with sessions on Sunday and Monday. “We have a few players with niggling injuries, however we’ll give them right up until Wednesday night before a decision is made on whether they’ll play,” Singh said. Singh will not be underestimating his side’s opponent in Moe despite two straight losses to start the year.“The competition is so even, if your attitude is not good or your switched off, anyone can beat anyone,” he said.
Gates will open at 12.30pm.
