Lionesses to roar at heritage game

AT this time each year, the Aussie rules teams at Ballarat Grammar play a traditional game with an old-world twist.

This week, the senior Lionesses are set to play their annual Heritage Match, this time against Ballarat Clarendon College, following the senior boys’ win over Ballarat High School late last month.

Director of sport Dean Rossato said the school’s top female side continues to be strong after eight years of success at a local and state level.

“They’re on track,” he said. “The winner of the BAS grand final will represent BAS in division one of the Herald Sun Shield.

“Fingers crossed we can play that grand final and win again.”

Mr Rossato said the Heritage Match is linked to the Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Association, with former students returning each year to speak to players, promote the history of the school, and watch the game.

“We build it as an opportunity to play with your school mates,” he said. “It’s something they will look back to and treasure.”

BGS were victorious in the boys’ Heritage Match, kicking the winning goal just before the fine siren to register a 7.7 (49) scoreline over BHS’ 5.9 (39).

Old Grammarian and Hawthorn AFL player Lloyd Meek watched on, presented the first 18 boys with their heritage football jumpers on behalf of the Old Grammarians’ Association, and shared a few tips for footy and life.

“Over the past five or six years, we’ve developed the heritage jumper which is a harlequin strip of half and half brown and gold, so our first 18 get to wear that on heritage game day,” Mr Rossato said.

“We’ve now extended that to our boys and girls wearing it when they’re representing the school in all first 18 matches.”

Meek also presented the best-on-ground medal to Angus Watson, and visited his former Dart boarding house to meet the current residents.

Mr Rossato said the Heritage Match days are seen as special occasions by both the home and away teams.

“Ballarat High and their boys have always really supported it, so we can always play the game at home, have post-match speeches from coaches and captains, and present best-on-ground awards for both teams,” he said.

The girls’ Heritage Game opponents differ each year. The future goal is to stage a double-header of both the boys’ and girls’ heritage matches.

Five Ballarat Grammar Lionesses have been drafted to the AFLW.