■ While the WRFL Interleague side lost to the Eastern Football League last weekend, everyone involved needs to be congratulated. It is fair to say the WRFL has always been portrayed as a lesser competition for a number of reasons, most of which are based on nothing more than snobbery. The WRFL has shown in the past two years at the Metro Championships that it is every bit as good as any other league. While it might not boast a galaxy of former AFL stars or the club budgets of other leagues, it is producing some very good suburban footballers and coaches. The pride and passion of the west was there for all to see and the importance of representing the WRFL will grow with each year.
■ The Werribee boys were pretty excited about playing a pre-season game on Etihad Stadium this Sunday but due to the new policy at Etihad for spectators to be allowed to have a kick on the ground after the game, the Tigers will instead meet the AFL Academy side at Simonds Stadium from noon. Werribee has a very young list. It was great to see new skipper Michael Sodomaco speak so well at the VFL season launch last Monday night at Avalon Airport Oval. The Tigers will kick off the VFL season under lights at Avalon Airport Oval against Geelong on Friday, April 17 and then host North Ballarat on Anzac Day.
■ It was great to see two very deserving people acknowledged with life memberships by the WRFL last week at the season launch. Mark Grech and Mark Penaluna are two of the most deserving people I know to have received this award. They have dedicated themselves to the WRFL through their clubs, Sunshine and Port Melbourne Colts. “Grechy” has been devoted to the Kangaroos for more than 30 years and “Pena” has worked feverishly for his club and the competition.
■ I can’t wait for the Bulldogs first game of the 2015 season this Saturday night at Etihad Stadium against the Eagles. It is my 31st year acting as an MC for the club. I think the young Doggies could surprise a few this year. While finals are probably not on the agenda, keep your September options open. Regardless of the result, it is great to have footy back and when local footy kicks off the following Saturday it will be even better.
Kevin Hillier
