■ There have been many memorable games at the Whitten Oval over the years but last Saturday’s interleague game between the WRFL and the Ballarat Football League was a beauty. The final result was a three-point win to the home team with a goal from Werribee Districts’ Andrew Panayi just seconds before the final siren. If you thought representative football meant nothing to the players, think again. The elation and disappointment shown by both winners and losers said it all. The game was hard and played in great spirit with no malice whatsoever. The concept of the AFL Victoria Community Challenge seems to be a winner, judging by this and other weekend results. As a showcase of senior and under-19 talent, it was well worthwhile. Maybe the WRFL could look at a bye for all divisions for these games to get the full support of the region.
■ The Big V gets a run this weekend when the VFL state team travels to Adelaide to take on the SANFL. While this game does not have the romance of the good old days when the Vics took on the Croweaters, it is an important game. Williamstown’s Andy Collins is the coach and state pride still means a lot at any level of football. Werribee, Williamstown and Footscray have players in the squad, which will be trimmed this week in preparation for the game on Sunday. Whoever gets to don the Big V will do so with pride and commitment. Let’s hope the boys stick it right up them.
■ Wyndhamvale Football Club – hot on the heels of its first win in Division 1 and its legends game last weekend – has its Past Players and Officials day when it hosts Altona on Saturday. The club also has three players in the senior interleague side and one in the under-19s. There’s no doubt the Falcons are heading in the right direction.
■ The west lost a well-known sporting and business identity with the recent passing of Arthur Gore. Arthur was involved with the old Sunshine VFA, club where his son Peter played. He was also active with the Sunshine juniors in the old FDFL. He also was a life member of the National Go Kart Association and as a cyclist competed in a few Melbourne-Warrnambool races. He had a service station in Braybrook before running Sunshine Mowers for many years. Condolences to his family and friends.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
