One of the AFL’s most prolific forwards of the mid 2000s will be headlining a double act on Saturday as Central Magpies and South face off at Memorial Oval.
Key points:
- Brendan Fevola and AFLW player Jess Hosking will play for Central teams on the weekend
- The Magpies are hoping for a huge crowd
- The club president said it was challenging raising enough money to get the marquee players in
Brendan Fevola kicked 623 goals in 203 AFL games for the Carlton Blues and the Brisbane Lions over an 11-year career.
This will be the first marquee game Central has been involved in and according to coach Greg Wellington the players and supporters are excited.
“Just the fact that he’s out on the field, players on both side will get a real buzz,” he said.
“His name alone brings people to come and watch — it’s worth the price of admission just to see him.”
As for where Fev will play, the Magpies coach is remaining tight lipped.
“We’ll just keep everyone guessing hey,” Welington said.
“I think I remember, a long time ago, the Carlton coach played him on Fraser Gehrig at fullback.
For the first time, an AFLW player will feature as the team’s marquee star, with Richmond Tigers defender, Jess Hosking lacing up the boots too.
The Magpies women’s team only lost one game last season.
“It’s pretty exciting, it’s been a long time coming,” Phoebe Knell said.
Calling on a ‘big crowd’
Central president Jonah Smith says the ground is in great condition after recent rain and has been given a trim.
“It’s looking really good, so that’s always a bonus,” he said.
With the spilt round, North Broken Hill Bulldogs and West Broken Hill Robins players have the week off.
Mr Smith hopes that means more spectators will come to the games.
“Hopefully we get the numbers out there and then plenty of supporters from all over the place,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by players like Knell.
“I’m sure, having the two marquee players, we should get a fair bit of a crowd,” she said.
‘Thanks’ to volunteers
Mr Smith said it was tough raising the funds to get two quality players up for the games.
He has thanked the volunteers and sponsors who contributed.
“We ran a lot of raffles and lucky squares, those sorts of things,” he said.
“We’re supported through sponsorship, through our major sponsors, and of course event’s sponsor for this.
“I need to thank Paegan Hall putting in a lot of effort to get this off the ground and scout these players.”
The women’s match between Central and South will begin at 11:25am, followed by the men’s reserves.
The A-grade game will begin at 2:30pm.
Entry is $10.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
