GIANT tribute to farmers this weekend
GIANTS Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said the game recognised the contribution made by farmers to Australia.
“In many ways farmers have been the backbone of this country. Australian football is also an important part of rural communities and we would like to recognise that with this match,” Sheedy said.
The GIANTS are planning a number of activities for fans as part of the round 11 match at ŠKODA Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, starting at 1.40pm.
These include mechanical bull riding, milking and tractor displays and demonstrations, a kids petting zoo and pony rides, on field entertainment of a whip cracking show and line dancing, plus an extended kick to kick with live music, player interviews and an autograph signing session after the game.
“The GIANTS have a big zone that extends down into southern New South Wales through the Riverina and we would love as many of these people as possible to come to Sydney for this game,” Sheedy said.
“It is the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and with no country football on it is a great opportunity to recognise these communities in what is a great fixture between one of the oldest clubs in the VFL/AFL in Geelong and the newest club, the GIANTS.
“We would also love to see as many Geelong fans come to Sydney for the long weekend and enjoy the game. They are a great club which has built not just great success but also a strong culture on and off the field and we are delighted to host them at ŠKODA Stadium.”
Young GIANTS midfielder Anthony Miles, from a small Riverina town in southern NSW, said the tribute match is a fantastic concept, with both farming and sport integral to regional areas.
“With the drought and even floods, the farmers have had it pretty tough in the last few years,” Miles said.
“I’m from about 2000 people down in Howlong, my roommate Sam Schulz is off I think 5000 hectares in a little place called Morven, they’ve got about 15 people I think in that town, so there’s some small communities down there.
“I think there’s a really good connection with footy … Whenever I go home on a Saturday basically the whole town shuts down just to go and watch the footy and netball so it plays a massive part in their lives.
“For the GIANTS and Geelong to recognise that next Saturday will be fantastic.
“When we play down in Wagga or even Albury like we did the year before we get good crowds and I think it’s a great initiative from the AFL because it (AFL) is really popular down there.”
AFL travel packages including tickets to the game, flights and accomodation are available at www.anygameanywhere.com.au and match day tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.au
