In the 2024 fixture Munglinup’s Tom Stead tackles RDFA’s Ned Arthur. Photo: Geoff Vivian.
Munglinup’s annual football fixture is on again this year as Mungy Bombers take on the combined R&DFA team of Ravensthorpe and Southerners players tomorrow.
It will be the fourth time the annual exhibition match has been played.
Instigator Gavin Gibson said they were “all systems go” again, with the Munglinup team to be coached by the experienced Keiran Barrett.
“Munglinup’s been training for a couple of weeks so we don’t want to peak too early,” he said.
“All is go, we have added a few more things, music and more for the kids.”
Munglinup coach Kieran Barrett said they were once again fielding a “mixed bag” of local footballers past and present and players who lived in the community.
“We have drawn on some young guys who are in high school in Perth, 16 to 17-year-olds,” he said.
“Then there is some past guys who have done all their schooling life in the Munglinup community, about five of them coming this year.
“Most of the other guys are guys who don’t mind kicking a footy but don’t really play.”
The side also includes current Gibson players Lachie Stewart, Charlie Stead, Kaelin Hughes, and Munglinup local Brody Wickstein who played for Newtown-Condingup.”
While the R&DFA coach was yet to be named as this edition went to press, Southerners coach Mitch Jones said they looked forward to an enjoyable and interesting game.
“Hopefully it should be a full field like we had last weekend, get 20 plus on each side and have a full 18 people playing on field.” he said.
“It brings a big of culture into our league because we are usually versing the same people every week so it is as good chance to meet some new faces.
“We have been training for the whole season, we had a good dozen trainings before the season started and for Hopey we do two trainings a week.”
Co-instigator Rachel Gibson said preparation for expanded family day activities included a game for the juniors.
“This year we have a junior game prior to the adults’ game,” she said.
“There will be face painting for the kids and we have three different local live performers and a local DJ after the game.
“Then we have casserole dinners with five choices and $1000 board.”
The main game kicks off at 2.30 pm at the Munglinup Cricket Ground.
