TAMWORTH Swans haven’t won a game in this season’s Tamworth AFL but that won’t matter when they tackle Tamworth Kangaroos in a local derby at No. 1 Oval on Saturday.
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The Paul Kelly-side will be up for a big game against their traditional rivals as they try to win a Billy Holder Cup hey haven’t held for a number of years.
Kelly can’t remember when they last held the cup.
“It’s a long while though,” he said this week.
“That’s one of our big aims this season, to win the Billy Holder Cup back.”
Times have been tough for the Swans in recent seasons but they have had two weekends off to nurse a few injuries and prepare for the Roos.
“We’ve got a few blokes back from injury,” Kelly told The Leader.
“And we had big numbers at training the last couple of weeks too. So it’s all going pretty well.”
The return of Sam Roberts is a big boost for the club too.
“He hasn’t played for a couple of years,” Kelly said.
“He’ll be a key man at fullback or in the backline somewhere.
“And it’s also Scott Nowland’s 50th game for us.
“We’re keen to win it for him. He’s been a really good club man for us.”
Tamworth Roos coach Tony Bishop sees the local derby as the first game in a crucial run of games for his side after its big win over Moree Suns last Saturday. “We’ve got the Suns here, then we are on the road to Narrabri, have the Nomads here and then Inverell away.
“I expect a lot better at training too, a bit more commitment to the cause.”
The Roos beat the Suns by 144 points last Saturday with Matt Hodge booting nine goals.
o The Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program is back for 2016 with another $10,000 up for grabs for community AFL clubs. The Sydney Swans and Volkswagen have again teamed up to offer 10 grants of $1000 each to help community clubs with initiatives such as facility improvements, new footballs, guernseys or training equipment.
For the chance to win a share of the $10,000, clubs should visit sydneyswans.com.au/vwgrassrootsgrants and fill out the online application form by Sunday, May 29. Last year, 10 lucky clubs from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia won $1000 Volkswagen Grassroots Grants.
Swans forward and Volkswagen ambassador Kurt Tippett is encouraging football clubs from around the country to apply.
“It’s fantastic to see the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program back again in 2016,” Tippett said.
“It’s a terrific initiative that can really make a difference for community footy clubs around the country.
“With the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program now officially open, I encourage all clubs to head to the Swans website and apply. Clubs may even get a surprise visit from myself and some of my teammates later in the year!”
To apply for one of the 10 grants of $1000, visit sydneyswans.com.au
/vwgrassrootsgrants and fill out the application form. Applications are open until Sunday May 29.