Youth triumphs over experience in surfers’ Grand Final Day footy

The Bird Rock Bandicoots (in white) and the Jan Juc Jaguars (in black) clash at Bob Pettitt Reserve. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

FOR a group of Torquay locals, AFL Grand Final Day was not about the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but instead the one at Bob Pettitt Reserve.

Now in its third year, the match provides a social occasion for Torquay surfers both young and old to come together and enjoy some friendly competition.

The teams are divided by age, and this year the younger Bird Rock Bandicoots defeated the Jan Jaguars for the first time with a 19-point victory.

Bandicoots captain Harry Mann said the game was an occasion he always looked forward to.

“It’s one of my favourite days of the year.

“The best thing about it is the social part of it.”

Cahill Bell-Warren from the Jaguars said the game provided people with a great chance to get together each year.

“It’s great to grab the old and young, have a bit of a hit out, and really bring all the families and the community together in a really positive, fun way.

“It’s a really good excuse to get back together with your mates. You can put this in the calendar nice and early and give yourself something to look forward to and have a bit of banter with everyone else.”