Swans and Joeys to face off again in Anzac clash

GEELONG’S standalone Anzac Day fixture on Tuesday, April 25 promises to be an exciting matchup with both St Joseph’s and South Barwon keen to continue their good starts to the 2023 across both football and netball.

A fixture that alternates venues each year, the Geelong Football and Netball League (GFNL) Anzac Day proceedings will take place at McDonald Reserve in Belmont this year, with St Joseph’s to defend the Anzac Day Cup after securing two wins in 2022.

South Barwon and St Joseph’s both enter round two with unscathed records in the GFL, with Joeys fresh off a convincing five-goal win against two-time reigning premiers St Mary’s, and the Swans hoping to consolidate its 41-point round one win against Grovedale.

Joeys captain Alex Hickey said Anzac Day was always marked on the calendar for his side, but with some new faces on both rosters, it was shaping to be a contest either side was capable of winning.

“Both teams with new coaches, both teams looking to prove themselves and launch themselves into that top five, even top three; it probably doesn’t set up to be much bigger than that.

“Coupled with the significance of the day itself, which doesn’t get lost on us either, it’s hard to imagine a bigger day of football, and we get to do alongside our netball and women’s football which makes it even more special.”

South Barwon’s Sam James noted Anzac Day was a special day for many and it was a privilege for his club to represent the day in Geelong.

“The day is obviously valued in the community and it’s such a big day for everyone,” James said.

“I know there are a lot of teams that would love to play on Anzac Day, we definitely don’t take it for granted, so we’re looking forward to the contest.”

In the GNL, both St Joseph’s and South Barwon will both see Anzac Day as not only a significant day off the court, but a chance to test their mettle on the court.

Joeys walked away from Round 1 with a 50-15 win against St Mary’s last weekend, while the Swans crushed Grovedale across four quarters, taking the contest 81-13.

Tuesday’s fixture will begin with both sides at the top of the ladder, but Joeys has not forgotten about its last encounter with South Barwon in 2022.

“It will be a good test for both sides given we’ve both played sides that finished towards the bottom last season,” St Joseph’s Emily Kingston said.

“It was also between us and South Barwon to make that last finals spot last season, and we just missed out, so there’s a chance for a bit of redemption this Anzac Day.”

South Barwon’s Maddy McKiernan is no stranger to the atmosphere that comes with Anzac Day but said her side would try to remain composed following its strong start to 2023.

“Our culture will lead us in 2023, it definitely doesn’t feel like we’re just a team, it’s more than that, it feels more like a family,” McKiernan said.

“That’s what is going to win us games moving forward, we obviously have great skills, but it puts us a step ahead of everyone else.”

The Anzac Day ceremony will run from 1.20-2.10pm before the senior football and A Grade netball, which both start at 2.15pm.

South Barwon return to Anzac Day timeslot to launch women’s footy season

FOR the first time in AFL Barwon’s Female Football competition, Tuesday’s Anzac Day timeslot will also act as a season opener for both St Joseph’s and South Barwon.

The Swans and Joeys’ female football programs will meet again on Anzac Day for the first time since 2021, after grading fixtures prevented the two sides from meeting in last year’s annual fixture.

It will also conclude the first week of grading games that will contribute to the formation of the women’s football divisions for 2023.

“It’s a big day for the two clubs taking part, it always has been, and once that siren goes we’ll be straight into it,” South Barwon captain Ayesha Nicholson said.

“Training has been really good this pre-season, especially coming off a Grand Final loss to Anglesea last season, that hit us hard.

“We’ve taken off where we were last year with our skills, so we’re not just going through the motions anymore, so Anzac Day will allow us to show off what we’ve been working on.”

Nicholson said it is an honour to again be a part of the Anzac Day proceedings, with the women’s football to begin at 11.00am.

“An event like this is a tremendous opportunity for the community to come together, and I’m really proud of my girls that we can all be a part of the day together again,” she added.

Motivations heading into the 2023 campaign are substantially different for Katherine Kvant and the rest of the St Joseph’s women’s football team, still riding a high after claiming the Division 2 flag against Torquay last year.

“We’re always looking for ongoing improvement,” Kvant said ahead of the Anzac Day clash.

“We’ve got a good mix of people coming back from last year and a good bunch of new players joining the side. The competition continues to improve, and we’ll look to do so as well.

“Tuesday will be a good indicator of where we’re at and it should be a great game with Anzac Day setting the scene for the contest.”