Gippsland falls at final hurdle
Local indigenous footballers helped Gippsland to another competitive effort at the statewide Koori football and netball carnival in Ballarat.
The Ballarat Community Consortium, led by official host Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, worked with the NAIDOC committee to deliver the carnival which brought together about 4000 participants from across Victoria, along with their friends and families.
The name of this year’s carnival was Yannanayowoit Dullallally, which means “Always Proud”.
The carnival brought together all of the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities from across Victoria, to strengthen and renew relationships.
Football and netball matches were played at the North Ballarat sport precict, showcasing unique talents and promote the importance of healthy active lifestyles and wellbeing in a social and cultural context.
Aiming to defend their title from Bendigo the year prior, the Gippsland Yeerung/Gippsland Warriors team were challenged but proved up to the task, qualifying for the finals.
Advancing to the grand final, Gippsland Yeerung/Gippsland Warriors put in a strong effort, going down by just three goals.
Gippsland also fielded a team in division two.
The carnival had attracted a long list of former AFL stars, including Chris Johnson (former Fitzroy and Brisbane), Leon Davis (Collingwood), Aarojn Davey (Melbourne), Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon), Matthew Stokes (Geelong/Essendon), Brett Goodes (Western Bulldogs) and Yestin Eades (Essendon).
Current Geelong listed player Jamaine Jones coached one of the division two teams.
Meanwhile, local netball team the Baw Baw Wrens narrowly missed the finals on percentage.
The Wrens had won three of their four matches to give themselves every chance of advancing to the finals.
Gippsland team the Lake Tyers Sea Eagles were awarded the Georgina ‘Gina’ Kickett Memorial rtophy.
The carnival also included activities for families and children including Indigenous hip hop, live entertainment on the stage, football themed inflatables, face painting, local artists and more.