■ Both VFL clubs in the west are enjoying significant milestones, with Williamstown celebrating 150 years and Werribee marking its 50th. Both clubs are basing their seasons on the milestones and both are having hall of fame dinners to celebrate in grand style. Williamstown will hold its at Crown on Saturday, May 31, while Werribee will head to the Werribee Racing Club on Saturday, July 19. Bookings for both events are available through the clubs. The clubs’ rivalry is as fierce as ever, but unfortunately they meet only once this year – at Williamstown on Sunday June 8. Over the years there haven’t been a lot of players who have crossed over from one club to the other, and a few high-profile ones like Joskun Aziz, Marcus O’Connor and Anthony Eames made headlines. In the current line-ups, Scott Clouston and Jake Wilson have been on both sides of the fence. Both clubs have produced some champion players and great football people. It’s hard to imagine what might have been had they merged in the mid-’90s as the league wanted them to.
■ Glenorden Football Club is going well in Western Region Football League’s division 2 after losing a lot of players following its premiership win last year. It’s notable that former Geelong star Kent Kingsley donned the boots last weekend for the Hawks. He was emphatic about hanging them up in a post-grand final radio interview last September. Time heals all wounds and bodies, apparently. The club has a past players’ day this Saturday when it takes on Parkside in what should be a ripping game. One of Kingsley’s premiership teammates, Adem Yze, is also putting the boots back on, but for a different club. He’s expected to take the field for West Footscray alongside his brother, Damien, this weekend.
■ Great to see Michael O’Keefe named as coach of the Yarraville Club Cricket Club for the next two years. “Tocka” is a legend in local footy and cricket, but I have always thought he would make his mark in cricket after his playing days. He takes over one of the most successful clubs in local cricket, and that in itself is a challenge. I am sure he is up to it.
■ The Newport Junior Football Club will hold its annual sportsmen’s day on Friday, June 20, at Bryan Martyn Oval from noon. MC Matty Campbell will introduce celebrities including Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Matt Hardy, Mick Martyn and singer Julie Haig. I’ve been attending this function since its inception, and it’s a beauty. Bookings or more information: 0402 216 111.
Kevin Hillier
