By Dongyun Kwon
The special rivalry football match between Healesville and Warburton was finally back for Anzac round.
The two clubs had competed against each other on every Anzac Day for about 10 years and had to have a break.
Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club president Steve Noonan said the reason for the break was the change of the division.
“We haven’t played Healesville the last few years because we’ve been in second division and they’ve been in first.
“But prior to that, we always played Healesville on Anzac Day when we were in first division.
“Now we’re all back together to continue the special history.”
The entry was free to the ground on the day.
Healesville Football and Netball Club president Toby Millman said he was proud of the number of people coming to the ground.
“We wanted to get many people from the community and from Warburton who wanted to come across here, and watch the game without worrying about putting their hands in their pocket,” he said.
The netball game started around 11.20am and the reserve football match started at 12.30pm.
Before the senior football match started, the whole crowd had a special Anzac Day service led by Healesville RSL president Colette Shaw.
Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi and Yarra Ranges councillor Fiona McAllister attended the service and watched the football match.
Mr Violi said watching a footy match is one of the ways to commemorate Anzac Day.
“It’s wonderful to be at the Healesville football ground today looking at so many people coming here to enjoy a game of football,” he said.
“In many ways, that is a fitting tribute to our Anzacs who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to enjoy the freedom of coming to watch a game of football.
“It’s a way to pay respect and commemorate but also celebrate our freedoms and seeing such a good turnout of so many young kids here is really exciting.”
Keep an eye on the Star Mail website for the full match report over the coming days.
