By Nick Creely
It looms as a pivotal game in the context of the season when Woori Yallock ventures down to Holm Park to take on Beaconsfield for the first time on Saturday, and the two clubs will honour the impact of the great Russell Rowe in what is sure to be a special day on the footballing calendar.
The Eagles and Tigers will battle it out on the field for the inaugural Russell Rowe Shield as part of the annual Past Players and Officials Luncheon at Holm Park, with a huge crowd expected to descend and take in the football and netball action.
Russell was a major part of the 1971, 1973 and 1974 Woori Yallock premierships, as well as being named in their Team of the Century, and played 11 VFL/AFL games for Melbourne in 1980, famously kicking four goals and having 25 disposals on debut in a 22-point win. He went on to 15 goals in his career for the Demons, finishing up in Round 16 of that season against Geelong.
Rowe was also a former Caulfield champion prior to being picked up by the Dees, and also a handy cricketer – representing the Victorian Country cricket XI against the fearsome West Indies in 1979.
Upon embarking on a coaching career post his playing days, Russell led Beaconsfield to a drought-breaking 1999 senior premiership – it’s first since joining the West Gippsland Football League in 1993 – with the club recently celebrating its 20-year reunion of a famous flag.
Beaconsfield president Troy Robinson said there is genuine excitement about what he believes will be a terrific day of community sport to recognise the contribution of a legendary figure for both clubs.
“It’s what local and community football is all about – it’s great to put them on a pedestal, because it’s these blokes that create our history,” he said.
“To have the opportunity – particularly for Russ, also Beacy and Woori Yallock – to play and have some sort of recognition between us, builds a new tradition.
“The amalgamation of the two competitions creates new vibes and energy, and this is what it’s all about.”
Robinson also said that Russell will present a best on ground award on the day, as well as present the inaugural shield to the winning side in what he hopes can become a yearly event.
But picking a winner is no easy task, with the Tigers sitting in third spot with a 5-2 record next to its name, while the home side are beginning to click into gear with a 4-3 record and boasting the stingiest defence out of the nine clubs so far this season.
On what is already set to be an action-packed, emotion-filled day of local sport, Robinson confirmed that the club will also hold a minutes silence and wear black armbands for one of their greatest supporters – Frank Deegan – who recently passed away.
Frank owned and operated the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield, the Cardinia Park Hotel in Beaconsfield and the Royal Hotel in Kooweerup, and was admired by those in the local community.
“With Beaconsfield and the Central Hotel being our grassroots, and essentially where we were created, we will honour Frank with a minutes silence prior to the game and wear black armbands, just to show our appreciation for his efforts in the community,” he said.
“It’s part of our DNA, it’s where our club was created in 1890, and we have to acknowledge that.”
The club will also have two guest speakers on the day, with former Hawthorn defender and Beaconsfield-listed player Brendan Whitecross – as well as former Woori Yallock and Collingwood champion Damian Monkhorst –set to entertain the guests at the luncheon prior to the senior football action.
For more information on the Past Players and Officials Luncheon, or for any ticketing enquires, as well as the Russell Rowe Shield, can contact Beaconsfield Past Players and Officials secretary Lawrie Canning on 0437 285 795 or Lawrie.canning@optusnet.com.au
