By JESSE GRAHAM
A TOWN-against-town rivalry is set to be forged this weekend as the first annual AnzacTribute Game kicks off between Emerald and Upwey’s Veteran Football Clubs.
The teams will face off at 2pm at Emerald’s Chandler Reserve in the first match of this series, which Emerald Veteran Football Club coach Geoff McKimmie hopes becomes an annual tradition.
“We’re hoping to have it in Upwey next year- we want to get it closest to the first round every year,” he said.
The game will feature a unique aspect – in honour of Anzac Day, the most courageous player on the field during the match will be awarded with a special medal.
The medal will be awarded in honour of Emerald RSL’s own Donovan Joynt, who was awarded the Victorian Cross in 1918.
Joynt won the Victorian Cross, the highest military decoration for valour, for leading a group of men through Plateau Wood in France and taking German positions while outnumbered and outgunned.
The Donovan Joynt Medal will be awarded to the player showing the most “Anzac spirit” and the winning team will receive a perpetual shield.
Mr McKimmie said the day would be a great event for the family to attend.
“Everyone enjoys a day out,” he said.
“It’s on the Sunday before Anzac Day, so hopefully we’ll get everyone up and about beforehand.
“It’s just about trying to unite the community a bit more.”
President of Emerald RSL Peter Maloney said the competition was going to be fierce.
“It’s going to be right down to the wire,” he said.
“Upwey and Emerald have a reputation for very close games – the teams will be playing to exhaustion.”
The Anzac Tribute Game will begin at 2pm at Emerald’s Chandler Reserve on Sunday 21 April.
For more information or to volunteer to help on the day, call Peter Maloney on 0439 112 204
