Underdogs victorious in FIDA Suns clash

AS the sun poked through the clouds on Sunday afternoon the two Bendigo FIDA Suns teams went to battle on at Weeroona Oval for the grand final of the Football Integration Development Association central conference league.

The Bendigo FIDA Suns Red team were eventual victors over White, with the final score 56 to 43.

FIDA gives people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to play Australian rules football and this season the two Bendigo FIDA Suns teams went up against each other, Rupertswood and Kyneton.

The scores in the grand final were close all game, with White getting within four points in the fourth quarter before a three-goal blitz from Red led by Mark Ralston and Eamon Gleeson.

Red’s lead didn’t faze White’s Cooper Manton, who slotted a goal and nailed his trademark handstand celebration in front of an adoring crowd.

While there was only one winning team, the two came together after the siren for a thumping rendition of the club song.

Red’s coach Mitch Greer said it was nice to get final glory over the team they had lost to twice this season but even nicer to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.

“It’s so awesome we can come together no matter the result of a team winning or losing,” he said. “The smiles, singing the song together, it was a ripping day.

“We were definitely underdogs; we used that all week to really build it up. Just getting everyone up and about and trying to make it what it is, the grand final day.”

Red’s Mitchell Lawrence claimed best on ground with a fantastic performance in the ruck, while White’s Tyla Brereton and James Cain were defiant in defeat.

With the 2022 season finished, preparations are underway for next year and expressions of interests are open for anyone wanting to give the sport a go. For more information search Bendigo FIDA Suns on Facebook.