Tribute fuels rivalry: St Joseph’s, South Barwon on Anzac Day honour

For 17 years, St Joseph’s and South Barwon have clashed on field and court on Anzac Day.

It is a round that has continued to grow yearly for the clubs, creating space to commemorate and fuel a nearly two-decade old rivalry.

St Joseph’s Football Netball Club president Sue Cormack said the privilege of playing on Anzac Day is not lost on the club’s members and supporters.

Reflecting on her own connections to Anzac Day, Cormack thinks of the grandfather she never met, and the diaries he kept.

“For me personally, it’s a very important day. The grandfather that I never met served in France as a stretcher bearer and I have the honour of having his diaries, which I read,” Cormack said.

“Interestingly, there’s such a strong connection between what was happening on the front line [and today]. They were playing footy and cricket, having swimming races in the canals and setting up athletics tournaments.

“For me, it’s a real reflection around the importance of sport and what sport can do in terms of bringing people together and building resilience.”

Cormack said both the Joey’s and South Barwon communities take pride in coming together each year on Anzac Day.

She said the chance to honour the sacrifice of the ANZACs and all who have served, past and present, is not taken lightly.

“The word that comes to mind for me is gratitude,” Cormack said.

“It is a really good opportunity for us to show our gratitude for everyone who sacrificed, not only their lives, but for the many who come back with severe mental health issues.

“We need to honour that and we need to be grateful for our peace.”

Cormack’s sentiment was echoed by South Barwon vice-president Aaron Gladki and secretary Steve Smith.

“We are honoured to be participating in such a significant day,” Gladki said.

“We certainly don’t equate what we are doing with what the diggers and soldiers have gone through, but if we can take part in an event that recognises and celebrates the effort and sacrifice that they have put forward, we are very honoured to be part of it.”

Gladki said the pre-game service is also an opportunity for those who are unable to attend a morning service to still mark the significance of the day.

Smith has already begun conversations for next year’s Anzac Day fixture.

He said the work behind the scenes is reflective of the clubs’ belief in the importance of the day.

“We’re lucky that AFL Barwon give us the right to be the custodians of the Anzac Day game,” Smith said.

“It’s not a given; we don’t just expect that we’re going to get it every year.

“The planning is huge for the day to make sure that we give it the right respect that it deserves to have, and that includes having the players and supporters get on board too.”

Smith said taking time to reflect on conflicts across the globe has become an important part of the modern marking of Anzac Day.

“The feeling around Anzac Day has really grown over the past 25 years, compared to what it used to be,” he said.

“People are reflecting on what we have as a country compared to what is going on in the world.

“I think it’s fantastic we get the opportunity to acknowledge that as a community sporting group.”

Both clubs participated in a service before the top grade football and netball games were played.

A luncheon was also held with local veterans invited to attend alongside club life members and sponsors.

In the A grade netball South Barwon pipped St Joseph’s at the post for a 55-51 win. Meanwhile in the senior football Joey’s were forced to hand over the Anzac Cup after 11 years when the Swans delivered a 6.7 (43) to 22.15 (147), 104-point, smashing to the hosts.