Surf Coast clubs unite for Masters Showcase

THE first Surf Coast Showcase begins today (Friday, August 18) with three local clubs joining forces to create a community football event over three days.

A joint initiative between Vic Country AFL Masters, Anglesea Football Club, Torquay Football Club and Surf Coast Active Mens Club, a schedule of exhibition games will take place at Ellimatta Reserve and Spring Creek Reserve.

To begin proceedings, Anglesea and Torquay will add to the two clubs’ long-standing rivalry on the Surf Coast in a friendly, non-contact game tonight at 7.30pm.

The two teams will play for the Eliza McGowan Cup, named in honour of Eliza McGowan, who tragically and suddenly passed away last year after a long battle with a rare neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder.

Eliza, the daughter of local police officer Jason and his wife Fiona, was the third of five children and passed away shortly before her 19th birthday.

Torquay playing-coach Kieran O’Dwyer said the three clubs were proud to answer the call when asked to take part in the showcase opener on Friday.

“The clubs have held a long and healthy respect for one another over the years and this is a great way to help promote awareness around men’s mental and physical health, particularly for middle aged men and women.

“Jason and his family are a real cornerstone of the local community here on the Surf Coast and it was really sad what happened with Eliza.

“Jason, by extension, has been a key figure in the local footy circles, he was a Mathieson Medallist in the GFL, he had a run with Geelong and was part of the North Shore dynasty in the GFL as well.

“So, we’re lucky we get to acknowledge and honour Eliza as a result of this event being put together.”

AFL Masters Vic Country will continue the showcase with a women’s game and an AFL Masters match between Western Victoria and Gippsland tomorrow in Torquay.

Sunday, August 20 will involve an Anglesea Bangers Session and an AFL Masters Vic Country training session at Ellimatta Reserve.

Surf Coast AMC president Dale Allan, who will be umpiring the Eliza McGowan Cup match, said his club had been running weekly sporting events similar to this since 2015 and would provide about 10 of the AMC’s members to fill out both teams on the day.

“It should be a great chance for a social kick and a good time.

“Sport like this provides a chance to get out of the house and connect with like-minded individuals, it’s what the AMC is all about.

“The McGowan family is also an incredible family, it’s still involved in local sport and has connections to both clubs, it’s just a beautiful family.”

For more information on the Surf Coast Showcase, head to the Vic Country AFL Masters Facebook page.