Eliza McGowan Cup returns for second year

THE Anglesea and Torquay communities rallied together on Sunday through the game of Australian rules football to honour the memory of Eliza McGowan.

The Eliza McGowan Cup was up for grabs for a second year, with AFL Masters footballers representing the Torquay and Anglesea football clubs.

With modified rules to account for player age and ability, this year’s matchup took place on neutral ground at Bob Pettitt Reserve in Jan Juc.

The Eliza McGowan Cup is held annually to remember Eliza, the daughter of local police officer Jason and wife Fiona, while also celebrating local football on the Surf Coast – a sport much loved by the McGowan family.

Eliza was Jason and Fiona’s third of five children, who tragically passed away shortly before her 19th birthday in 2022.

Last year’s proceedings, which spanned three days, were held at Ellimatta Reserve and Spring Creek Reserve.

The fixture is made possible through partnerships at Vic Country AFL Masters, Anglesea Football Club, Torquay Football Club and Surf Coast Active Men’s Club.

Torquay won the match by one goal.