By PETER DOUGLAS
YARRA Junction Football Netball Club took centre stage over the weekend as Worksafe Victoria launched its latest advertising campaign at the club’s home ground.
In front of a 200-strong crowd, Worksafe aired its television advertisement at its Game of the Month, which featured footage of action shots of players as well as crosses to the crowd.
Each year, WorkSafe hosts four games at different clubs throughout Victoria.
Numerous football and netball identities addressed the Eagles faithful, including Carlton premiership coach David Parkin, AFL Victoria general manager Steven Reaper, and Australian netball representatives Eloise Southby and Maddie Robinson.
Parkin stepped in as a late replacement for fellow Hawks legend, Peter Knights, who cited personal issues.
The master coach ably filled the role, keeping the crowd amused with several amusing anecdotes, as well as revealing in his younger days how he spent time working at the Upper Yarra Reservoir.
However, there was a serious side to his message.
“Local football clubs are the hub of communities, so we should be doing everything we can to support that,” he said.
“We need to make it safer for our participants, as well as an enjoyable environment.”
Melbourne Vixen Robinson also spoke of persistence, particularly in the face of adversity.
Robinson spoke of the low points in her career, which included being culled twice from the national squad.
“I thought that was it, I didn’t want to go through this anymore,” she said.
“But you’ve got to find a way through it and I’m glad that I did.”
Robinson’s high points now include a Commonwealth Games gold medal last year, as well as being labelled at one point the best netballer in the world.
In her address, she also paid tribute to grassroots football and netball clubs.
“I’ve long had a passion and love for sport, having played in regional Victoria I understand the importance of local clubs,” she said.
“I played with South Barwon in Geelong and stepped up through many levels.”
Unfortunately, Robinson is facing another battle, this time recently undergoing surgery for a ruptured ACL.
This has meant she is missing the World Cup tournament being played in Sydney.
Meanwhile, there was plenty of activity throughout the day, including children’s activities such as facepainting and jumping castle, as well as personalised badges being created for those willing.
The senior footballers put on an incredible performance, with the underdogs notching a thrilling four-point win over Thornton-Eildon.
Yarra Junction club president Tony Aulich said the club was pleased to have been chosen to take part.
“It’s been a bit of a bonding exercise for us all and it means positive exposure for the club,” he said.
