By Tanya Steele
South Belgrave Football Netball Club will be wearing a special jersey with pride this week in an iconic first, as they take to the grounds against Beaconsfield players on Anzac Day.
The community has come together for a cause, with the local sporting club pledging donations to be raised at the special footy match to the Upwey Belgrave RSL and Running Rabbits Military Museum.
President of South Belgrave Chris Huglin said the club are excited about the game and it will be a cracking day of football.
“We’re excited about having our local RSL involved,” he said.
Upwey Belgrave RSL President Fred Schmager said he is also excited about the game and jersey and will be there to read the Ode on the day in a special ceremony.
“I’ll be up at 3.30am Anzac Day, and I’ll be lucky if I get to bed before probably nine o’clock that night,” he said.
Mr Huglin said the community-based football club plays in a very professional league in the Eastern Football League, but likes to hold onto its community heart.
“We try and keep a blend of community and professionalism within our club,” he said.
The special Anzac Day Clash game has stemmed from a regular annual clash that sees Beaconsfield and South Belgrave battle for the Rick Crook Cup – a local legend and life member of both clubs.
“This year his year, it just coincided with Anzac Day,” said Mr Huglin.
“We got together with Beaconsfield, and we said, well, let’s make this a big one.”
Mr Huglin said Beaconsfield are of a similar mindset to the South Belgrave club and comes from similar origins.
The local club wanted to connect more with the community, and along with the ANZAC day game, have commissioned a special ANZAC jersey, which features a silhouette of soldiers standing across a field.
The South Belgrave teams will be selling their jerseys from the game to members and supporters at the game, raising money for the Upwey Belgrave RSL veterans.
Upwey Belgrave RSL Secretary Graeme Tuplin said it was wonderful when the local team approached the RSL with the idea.
“The money that we raise is used to fund support services to veterans,” he said.
“This is really something brand new for us.”
Other local teams are also joining in to fundraise for the RSL, with Upwey-Tecoma FNC running a hamper raffle at their club, with tickets available at their ANZAC round match on 25 April.
Upwey Belgrave RSL will be hosting its regular Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast from 6am on 25 April and will be broadcasting the special commemoration live via 3MDR at 97.1FM.
The Veteran’s March through Upwey will run from 9.45am, followed by the main service, live music, BBQ lunch and more.
South Belgrave will take on Beaconsfield at the 2025 Anzac Day Clash at Belgrave South Recreation Reserve, with a special 2.30pm ANZAC Day Ceremony.
