Filled with finals, fierce face-offs and tricky trials, footy lovers are gearing up for a big couple of days of AFL in Inverell.
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Friday marks the finals of the inaugural The Sam Naismith Cup at the Inverell Sports Complex from 10.30am.
Youth girls, under-15s boys and open boys from Inverell, Moree and Gunnedah will fight for their share of the Cup.
AFL development officer/program leader Sonia Martin said it was “fitting” that two Gunnedah teams were still alive in a competition named after Bulldogs export and Sydney Swans player Naismith.
“That will be a big day of footy out there and we encourage anyone to come along,” she said.
“Come down and support the kids.
“It’ll be fantastic.”
Round one of the Cup was held in Gunnedah last Wednesday, with round two in Inverell last Friday.
Naismith said it was a privilege to have the competition named after him.
The regular Auskick session at Varley Oval will run on Friday night from 6-7pm.
Martin said Saturday would be “massive” at Varley Oval.
It will involve a full day of activities for football fans.
From 11am, the under-17s, under-15s, under-13s and youth girls will take on junior selection trials in the hope of representing the North West in July’s northern carnival.
That will be a big day of footy out there and we encourage anyone to come along.
- Sonia Martin
A friendly mixed game will add to the fun at 12.30pm for under-14s boys and under-15s girls.
“Anyone’s invited to come down and have a kick of the footy,” Martin said.
An umpired game, the teams will be decided depending on attendance.
The Inverell Saints will have something to prove in the under-17s game against the Moree Suns at 2.30pm.
The two teams last met in last year’s grand final.
The game went down to the wire, with the Suns winning with a penalty kick after the siren.
Facing Moree in an official game for the first time, the Inverell women’s team will be keen to show how much they’ve grown since losing their exhibition game to the Suns last year.
After a successful season so far, the local women will be going in as the favourites to win, Martin said.
The game starts at 4.15pm.
Last but not least, the Suns and Saints will face each other once again in the open men’s game from 6pm.
Martin said it would be a great day for spectators and sportsmen and women alike.
“It’s such a great facility,” she said.
“That atmosphere at Varley under lights is second to none.
“It’s awesome.”
Entry is free.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
