By LIAM TWOMEY
THE traditional Collingwood and Essendon clash won’t be the only blockbuster this Anzac Day.
Two of the Western Region Football League’s recent premiership winners, Albion and Deer Park will also be going toe-to-toe.
The Cats and Lions will square off at Parsons Reserve on April 25 with the senior game starting at 2pm.
There will also be a special President’s Lunch on the day with the Albion Football Club set to recognise its Vietnam Veterans.
Cats’ vice-president Ryan Blake said it was exciting for both clubs to be involved in such a special day.
“Basically, what we want to do is honour the spirit of the day and show the youth in the area what the day is all about and pay homage to our veterans,” he said.
“We certainly want to make it a tradition going forward as well.
“There has been a really good response. I think playing Deer Park as well, who have five ex-AFL players on their list, there is great interest in the game.”
As well as battling it out for the four points, Albion and Deer Park will compete for the Jim Gaylor-Jamie Madigan Cup, named after two legends of the WRFL.
“We have named a perpetual trophy in recognition of a club legend from both clubs,” Blake said.
“Jim Gaylor was at Albion since the club’s inception and passed away over the last few years.
“Jim won a WRFL league best-and-fairest in the A Grade and was just a true gentleman. He did so much for our club.
“Jamie Madigan is the other person from Deer Park Football Club. They have nominated him as their representative and he actually played for Albion and was a best-and-fairest winner at Albion as well.”
After the match the Jim Gaylor-Jamie Madigan Cup will be presented to the winning captain and coach.
There will also be a ceremony with Aboriginal elders to round out the day’s celebrations.
Blake encouraged all members of the community to get out and support the concept.
“We would love to see the community get behind this and really make the day their own,” he said.
