By Tara Murray
Team Fire came out on top on the field, but the winner was the community as the Essendon District Football League joined forces to raise money for those affected by the bushfires.
More than 4000 people attended RAMS Arena on Sunday, as the best women’s and men’s players took to the field in charity matches.
The brainchild of Roxburgh Park coach Michael Farrelly, players and coaches from 28 clubs participated in the two matches with all money raised on day donated to those affected by the bushfires.
Farrelly was thrilled with the response from the clubs and community in making the day a success.
The day started with the women’s game, where the Fire team had a big win.
Scores were level at quarter time, before the Fire team kicked the only three goals of the second quarter to lead by 21 points at half time.
It was a goal apiece in the third quarter, with Fire able to extend the lead in the final quarter, winning 7.9 (51)-2.4 (16)
Airport West’s Belle Bartolo, from team Fire, was named best on ground by the umpires.
The men’s match then followed, with the two sides not taking it as quite as serious as the women’s teams.
There were plenty of barrels and laughs, with team Fire leading from start to finish in the 16.22 (118)-10.10 (70) result.
Aberfeldie star Kyle Reimers lit the game up for Fire, kicking 4.6 and taking a screamer.
Roxburgh Park’s Jack Elliott, who represented team Fire, was named best on ground.
