By Peter Douglas and Effie Caloutas
North Melbourne champion and AFL games record holder Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey will be special guest at the Healesville versus Olinda clash this Sunday 16 July.
As part of the WorkSafe Game of the Month initiative for season 2017, Harvey will join Hawthorn legend Peter Knights in a marquee occasion at the Don Road Sporting Complex.
The occasion starts at midday; the senior match kicks off at 2.30pm, with the WorkSafe rounds traditionally drawing large crowds to the matches.
Not to mention the clash takes place against last year’s grand final combatants, which are both fierce rivals and in stellar form.
The match is one of eight WorkSafe Games planned across Victoria, with the initiative – now in its 15th year – highlighting traditional grudge matches between country football and netball club rivals.
WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country partners with Netball Victoria to bring some of football’s and netball’s biggest names to the matches to meet the locals and share their sporting stories with current-day AFL player Ambassadors, football personalities.
Spectators can enjoy the local atmosphere with a host of family friendly activities including football and netball-themed inflatables, face painting and giveaways, plus see your face on the big screen with the WorkSafe LED truck scoreboard.
Another highlight is the National Anthem prior to the game sung by a local identity and the post-match presentations where our WorkSafe Ambassadors will present the sought-after WorkSafe Trophy and best on ground medal.
Meanwhile, many pundits expect the clash to be close and well-fought.
The result could prove pivotal as to where the two clubs finish on the ladder, come season end.
Olinda Ferny Creek is on top of the senior ladder with four wins in their past five matches.
Defending premiers Healesville sit in second position, winning all of their past five matches.
Healesville is coming off one week’s rest and a 114-37 thumping of Warburton-Millgrove after the split round in Round 11.
