Suns to meet in FIDA final

IT’S an all Bendigo showdown in the grand final of the Football Integration Development Association central conference.

On Sunday, 7 August, Weeroona Oval plays host to the match between Bendigo Suns White and Bendigo Suns Red.

FIDA provides people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to play Australian Rules football.

Bendigo Suns White player Crystal Sutherland, who has been with the Bendigo Suns for two years, said it’s exciting to be lacing up for the derby.

“It’s going to be a good game to watch, because when our sides go against each other it’s a good game,” she said.

“This season was awesome, last year COVID put a spanner in everybody works, but this season has been good.”

Bendigo Suns White go into the grand final undefeated, having beat Red on the two occasions the teams played each other.

The central conference sees the team play one game every four weeks. This year Bendigo fielded 44 players and were able to help when Kyneton and Rupertswood were lacking numbers.

White coach Josh Martin said while the league is based around inclusivity, there’s always added excitement knowing medals are up for grabs.

“This is something that for a lot of them it’s all they do,” he said. “There’s a lot of excitement.

“Playing in a grand final whether you’re a junior, FIDA or senior player is really exciting. It’ll be great for them.”

Martin said he’s “quietly confident” that his squad will come out on top.

“In saying that, I’ve been there a lot of times when you’re confident and you’ve been the winning team,” he said.

“Being the team that’s meant to win isn’t always a good position to be in. Red will have an underdog mentality and it could go either way.”

Rupertswood face Kyneton in the third-place playoff and the Bendigo showdown begins at 1pm. A coffee van, canteen and raffle will be on site and entry is free.