WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country Record Article No.4

WorkSafe Games of the Month begin with a bang

Regardless of where they sit on the Bellarine and District Football League ladder, the clashes between close neighbours Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove are always fierce encounters.

Last Sunday’s blockbuster between the arch rivals marks lived up the hype but also marked another important occasion – the game first WorkSafe Game on the Month for 2015.

AFL Victoria Country’s naming rights partner has now been visiting football and netball clubs in every corner of the state and across the border into Southern NSW for 13 years, highlighting the importance of workplace safety.

WorkSafe’s partnership with AFL Victoria Country and these events in particular provide a platform to highlight the dangers that too often are taken for granted in the workplace.

It also reminds supporters, volunteers, players and coaches of the impact a workplace injury or death would have on the local football community.

Think about how your football club would cope without you?

More than 75 clubs, just as Ocean Grove didlast weekend, have now hosted one of these fantastic events and the tradition will continue at another seven destinations this season.

AFL legends in Terry Daniher, Peter Knights and David Parkin will take it in turns to attend the WorkSafe Games of the Month as the special guest at pre-game functions.

All are fascinating to listen to as they reminisce about their glory days and share their love of football.

Daniher played 313 games of VFL/AFL football in a decorated career spanning 16 seasons. The oldest of four brothers to play for the Bombers, he lead the club to two premierships in a five-year stint as captain and was named in the club’s Team of the Century.

Knights is a Team of the Century member at Hawthorn, winning the club’s Best & Fairest in 1975 and 1978. He played 264 matches in a golden era that yielded premierships in 1976, 1978 and 1983.

Parkin is widely considered as one of the game’s greatest ever coaches after 511 matches in the top job during stints at Hawthorn, Fitzroy and Carlton in a career that yielded four premierships.

He also captained Hawthorn in a 211-game playing career that included the 1971 premiership.

The events, facilitated by AFL Victoria Country, allow WorkSafe to develop better relationships with local businesses and people, which in turn provides them an avenue to communicate their important message to a country audience.

These games also help increase the exposure of country football throughout rural and regional Victoria, and highlight the importance of country football to their local communities.

WorkSafe Game of the Month Schedule

  • April 19: Ocean Grove v Barwon Heads (Bellarine and District Football league)
  • May 3: Nullawil v Wandella (Golden Rivers Football League)
  • May 17: Tooradin v Rythdale-Officer-Cardina (Casey Cardinia Football League)
  • May 31: Benalla Saints v Shepparton United (Goulburn Valley Football League)
  • June 14: Tatyoon v Moyston Willaura (Mininera and District Football League)
  • July 19: Thorpdale v Mirboo North (Mid Gippsland Football League)
  • July 26: Wedderburn v Charlton (North Central Football League)
  • August 9: Yarra Junction v Thornton-Eildon (Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League)