Footy fans heralding the AFL 150th anniversary have another reason to celebrate with Toyota donating $210,000 to grassroots football thanks to the clash between the Big V and the Dream Team at the MCG. Earmarked as the Good For Footy match, Toyota pledged $10,000 for each goal kicked by the Victorian team. Toyota AFL ambassador and Victorian captain Jonathan Brown says the program has really grown and built up grassroots footy. The money will be donated to grassroots clubs via the Toyota Good For Footy program which provides funding to local footy clubs in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
Hawks open club doors
IT WAS a special moment for players and supporters recently when they were given an exclusive tour of the new facilities of the Hawthorn Football Club at Waverley. Hawks great Peter Knights was there to guide the visitors through the training facilities and the club museum at Windy Flats. Life member Joan Harrison is in her 80th year but was still happy to lead the tour through the Waverley ground. It is believed the Mitiamo Football Club is the only country club to be given a tour of the magnificent sports complex.
Sean scores second
Castlemaine cyclist Sean Finning continues to dominate the local road racing scene. Sean won last weekend’s 50-kilometre road race on a circuit near Emu Creek to make it two wins on the trot after scoring a stylish victory recently in the Marong to Melville Caves Classic. The next big event for the Castlemaine star will be the 75 kilometre Marong to Wedderburn Classic to be staged on Sunday, June 1. Patron of the court Former Ballarat Lady Miners captain Karen Ashby will be the patron of the Australian Under 18 Basketball Championships. Ashby competed for Victorian Country at Under 18 level before going on to play in the South East Australia Basketball League and earlier this year she played with the Bendigo Spirit in the Women’s National Basketball League. The Ballarat Basketball Association will host the national championships featuring 28 elite teams from July 5 to 12. Vozzo eyes umpire talent
AFL umpire Michael Vozzo was on the big stage last Saturday night for the clash between Victoria and the Dream Team at the MCG. Vozzo is keen to be involved in nurturing young talent to reach their potential and he will be keeping a close watch on two young talented central umpires from the Bendigo Umpires Association throughout the season.
Miners to fight back It was a high scoring affair in the recent Rugby Union clash between Ballarat and Bendigo with the boys from the Begonia city reigning supreme 41 to 31. Skipper Trent McGilchrist scored two tries and full back Josh Manderson booted three goals. The Fighting Miners are back in town this Saturday when they face the Warrnambool Plovers.
Club calls for players The Marong Junior Football Club is looking for some more players. The club is hoping to attract some Under 13 players to the club so if you can help them out simply call Darren Turnbull on 0418 590 273. Training is at Malone Park from 4.30pm every Wednesday.
$2.25m upgrade
WORK is about to begin on a $2.25 million development at the Tom Flood Sports Centre. Conditions have not been that flash for the paying customers but the upgrade will include the construction of a 150-metre long shade canopy from the grandstand to the corner of Park Road. The redevelopment is being undertaken with $1.5 million from the state government and a $750,000 contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo. The Tom Flood Sports Centre hosts many great sporting events throughout the year including the renowned Bendigo International Madison.
Legends nominated
The nominations are in for the 2008 Telstra Country Footy Legends. Everyone can view the legend nominees at www.supportthelegend.com.au and vote on line for their favourite. Voting closes at 5pm on May 30. The winner will get $5000 for their country footy team.
Juniors show promise
THERE is some exciting young junior talent in our soccer ranks. The Bendigo Under 13 team held on to top spot on the ladder in the Football Federation Victoria Metro League when they downed Williamstown 2-0. The goal scorers were Cal Gibson and Will Kerrins.
Knox on way up
Another young sportsman on the way up is talented cyclist Luke Knox. The 18-year-old recently won a $1500 bike frame from Black Hawk as part of his prize in winning the Under 23 class in the annual Mount Gambier Classic. During the winter he will be contesting the Bendigo and District Cycling Club three day tour of central Victoria along with the state road and time trial championships
North Bendigo impress
The popular youth women’s football competition kicked off last weekend with a good roll up of supporters for the clash between North Bendigo and Marong. North Bendigo were in control throughout and ran out comfortable 24-point winners in an impressive display. This Sunday the action is at Canterbury Park where Eaglehawk will play Marong. Game time is 1.30pm.
Got any sports goss? email Bezzo at bezzo@bendigoweekly.com.au
