■ Footy is back and I’d love a dollar for everyone who has asked me whether the Bulldogs will be better or worse after their surprising 2015 season. Honest answer is, I don’t know, but I’m excited and looking forward to whatever happens. One new recruit to the club is Hana Williamson, in the role of Whitten Oval events co-ordinator. Hana has an excellent Bulldog pedigree as the daughter of Jim Williamson and the late Lynne Kosky. A lifelong Bulldogs supporter, this is a dream job for the former Monash Uni marketing and management student, who actually applied for the job while studying in the US. The Bulldogs kick off their season against the GWS Giants at Sydney’s Star Track Oval on Thursday night.
■ The 13th Annual Hoppers Crossing Sports Club awards were presented last Saturday night with two new inductees in the club’s hall of fame. Long-time committee man and former cricketer Simon Giles and 300-plus game footballer Robbie Cavka were honored. Up-and-coming footballer Jackson Viola was named Rising Star, just ahead of Mitch Ellis (cricket) and Mikayla Hellmann (netball). Jackson, the reigning senior B&F winner at Hoppers, is on Collingwood’s VFL list. Colin Cross was voted member of the year.
■ The Manor Lakes-Wyndham Rotary Fun Run/Walk is always a big day, with hundreds of participants and volunteers chipping in to make it memorable. This year’s run begins and ends at Avalon Airport Oval at Chirnside Park on Sunday. One special story involves Louise Finlay and her daughter, who will run 10km pushing eight-year-old Jack Smith in a jogger. Jack has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and his parents are trying to raise money for a wheelchair car conversion. If you can help, donate through mycause.com.au and type in Jack Smith.
■ Williamstown CYMS Cricket Club is holding its Third Man Club lunch at Fearon Reserve at 1.30pm on Sunday. Guest speaker is Darren ‘Chuck’ Berry. Tickets through simon.hine@ksgroup.com.au. Werribee Cricket Club has its past players day at Chirnside Park from 12.30pm on Saturday. A local derby is shaping up for the VSDCA finals with Hoppers crossing and Werribee looking odds-on to face each other in the opening week. That should be something to see.
