■ While I don’t subscribe to the theory that sports stars are role models there are some areas where I think sport has to be more accountable. I wrote recently of the television cameras showing AFL coaches swearing or banging phones down during games. At the levels below the elite, the public can get very close to inner sanctums and huddles at quarter-time breaks. This is an area in which coaches and officials need to be mindful of who’s listening. At suburban level, I have heard some disgraceful things and language that is not acceptable anywhere.
■ The WRFL’s seniors get a week off this long weekend while the juniors finish the interleague program. Port Melbourne Colts may be struggling on the field, but off it they have a big day planned for their round 9 clash with St Albans on June 13. The Beanies for Brain Cancer Day will feature a big lunch at J.L. Murphy Reserve with television personality, author and cancer survivor John Tickell one of the guest speakers. The club arranged the event in support of Marcel Bouchard, a past player who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year. The club has been supporting Marcel in his fight against this disease. For details contact Brad Julier 0438 601 063 or Ben Brown 0412 219 377.
■ It’s been great to see a former Hoppers Crossing cricket teammate of mine, Mick Haley, make the big time with his business, Haley Hire, being a big part of Channel Nine’s Reno Rumble. His mobile hire shop was on site 12 hours a day, seven days a week for six weeks during the shoot and made it possible for the contestants to renovate two houses a week. Mick is a player sponsor at the Western Bulldogs so our paths cross quite a bit.
■ It will be the battle of the VFL Tigers and the AFL Tigers on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval when Werribee takes on Richmond. In the development game, Werribee is matched with Williamstown from 11am. It will be Werribee Community Day, with activities to include face-painting, a jumping castle and an AFL inflatable zone. On Sunday, Footscray will host Williamstown at Whitten Oval in a fight between last year’s premier and the top-of-the-ladder side. The VFL competition in the west is very competitive with sides from Port Melbourne, Williamstown, Footscray and Werribee all going well.
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Kevin Hillier
