The presentation of ‘most courageous’ medals culminated ANZAC Day football and netball at Macedon’s Tony Clarke Reserve.
Sally Brennan presented the McDougall Medal to Anica Scherer, and the Grumont Medal presented by Ross Grumont went to big ruckman Sean Egan. The medals honour members of two local families who valiantly served their country.
The two Diggers Rest players were pleased to be judged ‘most courageous’ on a day that Macedon Football Netball Club’s former president, Dominic Andreacchi, instigated some years ago along the lines of the Collingwood versus Essendon AFL match on ANZAC Day.
Initially it was Macedon versus Rupertswood, but the latter left the RDFNL and Diggers Rest was pleased to fill the gap.
“This has really been a fantastic day of sport,” Macedon FNC president Andrew Dick stated, thanking everyone who had ‘put in’ to ensure the commemorative day was so successful.
Before the senior match both teams lined up on the oval, along with various officials and dignitaries, for a short ANZAC Day service, with Frank Donovan OAM the master of ceremonies.
Among those present was Alan Mitchell-Lappin from the Commando Welfare Trust. A gallantry award recipient who served in Afghanistan, he was also involved in the traditional Dawn Service at the Mount Macedon earlier in the day.
Captains of both teams laid wreaths at the base of the flagpole, and singers from Macedon Primary School participated before the National Anthem.
The senior football match began at a cracking pace, with Diggers Rest monopolising the ball to slam on 5.6 to Macedon’s two goals in the first quarter.
In a high-scoring contest in ideal conditions, unbeaten Diggers Rest maintained the advantage and ended up winning 17.9 (111) to 13.10 (88).
Lachlan Ronaldson was unstoppable with eight goals for the visitors, and Mitch Jensen continued his immaculate early season form.
Best for Macedon were Declan Phyland, Brodie Hoyne, Pat Doyle, Dylan Johnstone, Jordan Dyer, and Jack Keenan, who kicked four goals.
Reserves: Diggers Rest 9.13 (67) d Macedon 1.1.
Under 18s: Wallan 11.12 (78) d Macedon 7.5 (47).
Macedon won the A-grade netball by 10 goals to remain unbeaten.
# Final reminder: Macedon FNC’s big raffle with prizes of two cars supplied by Kyneton Toyota will be drawn this weekend. Be quick to get a ticket.
