Shield clash heating up

A BIG rivalry in the Ballarat Football Netball League is heating up this weekend, with a shield honouring a great of both competing clubs at stake.

Mick Simpkins is a legend of both the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Football Netball Clubs, and this weekend, all senior football and netball sides from the two clubs will face off for the Mick Simpkins Shield, for the second year running.

Each grade will earn a point towards winning the shield upon beating its rival side, and the club with the most points at the end of the day, on Saturday, will win the coveted trophy.

Melton FNC vice-president Brian McNabb said people like Mr Simpkins are the lifeblood of grassroots sporting clubs, and the Bloods were eager to win the shield back-to-back.

“Mick’s been involved in both clubs for a combined total of over 40 years. His service has been outstanding in the fields of netball, both coaching and administration, and in the running of the committee,” Mr McNabb said.

“There are some extra stakes as well. If we’re unfortunate enough to lose, I have to dress up as a Bacchus Marsh supporter, and if we win, Macca [Ian McClure], who’s president at the Cobras, will dress up as a Melton supporter.

“The rivalry’s always very strong; it’s two strong local clubs. We’re performing very well at the moment, and Bacchus Marsh are an improving club.”

Bacchus Marsh’s senior playing coach, Dennis Armfield, said the flag favourite Bloods will be hard to beat, but he’s excited for the challenge.

“It’s always exciting to compare yourself to the best, and really see where you’re at. Troy and the boys at the Bloods are up and about,” Mr Armfield said.

“It’s another Saturday; both teams have to rock up. It’s always an honour to take to the field, especially for a shield in honour of a great contributor to local sport like Mick, against a rival side.”

The two clubs will battle for the Mick Simpkins Shield this Saturday 15 June at Melton’s Macpherson Park, with the senior football match starting at 2.15pm, and the A Grade netball match starting at 2.30pm.

Mick Simpkins served for 11 years at Bacchus Marsh (1981 – 1991) including eight years on the committee, and 31 years at Melton (1992 – 2023), including 13 years as netball director and 14 years on the committee.

He is a life member of both the Melton FNC and BFNL, having been the BFNL’s Director of Netball for 10 years, and BFNL Interleague Netball Coach for four years.