Suns to shine on home turf

FIDA footy is coming to Queen Elizabeth Oval for the first time in its history.

The oval will host round three of the central conference of the Victorian Football Integration Developmental Association, which consists of two Bendigo Suns teams, along with Rupertswood Old Collegians and Kyneton.

Bendigo FIDA Suns committee member Jedd Manton said the club can’t wait to play on the “holy grail” of regional football grounds.

“It’s exciting to finally be able to play on QEO,” he said. “We’ve tried to get that ground the last few years, but we were unsuccessful. Now we finally get the opportunity to use it.”

This year the Suns have 43 registered players, fielding two teams each round and also offering fill-ins for the smaller Kyneton and Rupertswood squads.

Bendigo Red and Bendigo White both enjoyed wins in round one, however in round two earlier this month, an intraclub rivalry brewed as they went head-to-head.

“It was quite interesting to watch some teammates tackle a bit extra than you’d usually see, a few bumps and stuff but other than that it was all good fun,” Mr Manton said. “It was a good game.”

Among the 43 members are two 64-year-olds, a thirteen-year-old and an increasing number of female players.

“We’ve got six girls this year which is awesome to see happening,” Mr Manton said.

While the Bendigo club is booming, vice-chair Tammy Manton said it’d be good to see more clubs join the division so it can revert to a carnival style, with all teams facing each other every round.

“When you’re in the carnival set up, everyone hangs around because you’ve got to wait until your next game, [and you can] make friends with all the other players from other teams,” she said.

“But, they’re still getting out on the field and having a run.”

The Bendigo FIDA Suns are encouraging all footy fans to come down and support the club on Sunday, 29 May, with Bendigo Red’s game at 11am followed by Bendigo White at 12.30pm.