By Trevor Jackson
Robe v Hatherleigh
Round 3 of Mid South East football will see Anzac Day as a major focus across all grades but up at Robe the day will take on a bit more importance.
As part of the Robe 2 Recovery celebrations, Saturday’s game will include some special moments before and after the A Grade clash between Robe and Hatherleigh.
It is the second year for the Anzac Day theme, which is hoped to continue on into the future.
The Robe 2 Recovery weekend begins on Thursday night with jumper presentations by Vietnam Veterans from the Limestone Coast and further afield, including members of the Vietnam Veterans Naval Association.
For Saturday’s football and netball, prior to the game supporters will be greeted at the gates from 8.30am by the Naracoorte Light Horse Troop, who will be around the ground throughout the day.
The ball will be parachuted in by the Southern Skydive team and delivered to the centre of the ground.
The Ode will be recited, along with a flag raising ceremony including the Australian and New Zealand flags prior to kick off.
A special medal has been cast by Russell’s Jewellers for the best-on-ground to be presented after the game.
The Robe 2 Recovery celebrations continue throughout the weekend, including an ambrose golf day on Sunday.
But back to the football and it will be a tough day for the hosts, as Hatherleigh has been a benchmark of the competition even this early in the season, showing some ominous form.
The Eagles recorded a comfortable victory over Mount Burr in the opening round, followed by a thumping of Nangwarry in Round 2.
In contrast, Robe has played just one game after opening the season with a bye and a Round 2 clash with Tantanoola which produced a hard-fought victory.
The Roosters will no doubt lift a notch this weekend, with plenty to play for, apart from just the game.
Robe will look to the likes of coach Tom Wachtel, the class of Jack Kelly and the returning Sam Clements – who put in a best-on-ground performance last round – to ensure they hold the Eagles to account.
However, Hatherleigh has certainly hit the ground running this season and will be tough to stop.
Up forward coach Jake Dowdy has been among the goals, providing a strong focus as the Eagles push forward.
Add to that the likes of Jake Wight, who had a blinder last week with 11 majors and there is a clear path to goal.
The Eagles have shown plenty of run through the middle and will be a tough proposition for the Roosters, despite Robe holding the home-ground advantage.
It is hard to imagine Robe knocking the Eagles off their perch this week, with Hatherleigh to claim the win and cement their hold on the top of the ladder.
