DESPITE suffering a 38-point loss to the Calder Cannons, the Bendigo Pioneers visit to Swan Hill on Sunday was a “resounding success” with our region viewed as the big winner.
A six-goal to none second quarter from the visitors proved to be the difference between the two teams in the end, with the big crowd in attendance treated to the highest standard of football seen on the Swan Hill Recreation Reserve in many years.
AFL Victoria participation co-ordinator David Alderuccio spoke with The Guardian following the game and was full of praise not only for the two teams and the match itself, but also the local community for turning out in their droves.
“The day was a massive success – we were a little bit worried at the start with the weather, but the clouds cleared and we ended up with perfect conditions for a great standard of footy,” Alderuccio said.
“I know we’re super keen to talk more with the Swan Hill Rural City Council (SHRCC) and the other groups involved to try and make this an annual event after the success of the weekend. I know the Calder Cannons were certainly overwhelmed with the reception they received and spoke very glowingly of our region and hospitality.”
It wasn’t just the Cannons who visited Swan Hill on Sunday though – with only four local players – Woorinen’s Nyawi Moore, Tyntynder’s Solomon McKay, Nullawil’s Patrick Kelly and Robinvale’s Joseph Mezzatesta playing for the Pioneers, most of their players were visiting our region as well.
“The good thing was that not only did it give them an opportunity to come and have a look at Swan Hill, but all the players parents and families came up for the weekend as well,” Alderuccio said.
“One thing I did notice looking around the venue on Sunday was that there were caravans everywhere, and I know Calder had a really big following, so it was really good for our region.
“The fact we had the Sunraysia and Bendigo players come to town on Sunday as well is another positive – both clubs were absolutely ecstatic with how our community embraced them and the opportunity to have some high-level football in Swan Hill, which is a credit to everyone involved, including the SHRCC and Swan Hill Football Netball Club among many of the other community groups and businesses that were involved across the weekend.
“It was a really good day and we’d love to make this an annual tradition, that we have a game here every year which can only be a positive for the region based on Sunday’s result.”
