Brotherly bond to reach the finals

SEVEN sets of brothers are set to take to the field at Mars Stadium on Sunday as part of the Ballarat Junior Football Netball League Grand Finals.

The siblings are representing Ballarat Storm Junior Football Netball Club, with one brother each playing in the under 11s and under 13s.

Lucas Byrne plays in the under 13s team with his brother Archie playing in under 11s, and said he’s excited for them to be competing together.

“It’s pretty cool to play alongside my brother. This is our first footy grand final so it’s pretty exciting for both of us,” he said.

“They finished third on the ladder and we finished first so it’s cool we’re both together in this. We’ve always helped each other out.

“We both play ruck and forward line so we’re always working together as a team and giving each other tips.

“We’re a family, pretty much. Having seven sets of brothers playing in two teams in the Grand Final is pretty rare and special.”

Established in 2017, both teams’ weekend games will mark the club’s first time participating in the Grand Final.

The club’s coordinator Ash Phillips said the number of siblings playing alongside each other shows their commitment to family inclusion.

“It tells people we’re a real community and a family club and we pride ourselves on that,” he said.

“Obviously there’s families everywhere but having sets just to be playing together is really amazing so it really highlights that commitment and how far we’ve developed.

“It’s amazing to reach the Grand Final and an awesome feat from all involved to get the club to where we are today.”

The Storms’ under 11s will go up against Lake Wendouree, while the under 13s will play North Ballarat.