Crowd roars for NAB Challenge match in Cardinia Shire
Cardinia Shire showed its footy fever on Saturday 27 February for the NAB Challenge match between Richmond and Hawthorn at Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield.
The event attracted record crowd numbers at the ground with 6384 attending to cheer on their favourite AFL players. The Tigers defeated the Hawks, 104 to 33. The game was held in Cardinia Shire as part of Council’s partnership with the Richmond Football Club.
Mayor Cr Jodie Owen said it was a fantastic to be part of the first professional AFL game played in Cardinia Shire.
“It was great weather, the reserve had a great atmosphere and a great crowd! I particularly enjoyed seeing the local NAB AFL Auskick participants from Beaconsfield, Officer, Upper Beaconsfield and Berwick, taking to the ground at half time – what a kick that must have been for them,” she said.
“The game attracted a wonderful mix of die-hard football fans as well as families and groups of friends enjoying the chance to see professional AFL played at their local football oval. The crowd was very well behaved and enjoyed the fine weather. Only a few minor parking infringements were issued, which was a great outcome considering the crowd numbers.”
“It was a successful event and we hope we have an opportunity to host another NAB Challenge game next year.”
Richmond Football Club President, Peggy O’Neal said the Council’s hard work and preparation for the match resulted in a fantastic day for both the club and attending supporters.
“It’s no easy feat organising an AFL match at a local venue, but the ground was in great condition for the match - we’re very grateful to the Council for working with the AFL to pull it all together, and to finish the match with a win in front of our local fans is even better,” O’Neal said.
“We are so grateful for the enormous support that Richmond has in the Cardinia Shire and also throughout the Casey region, where our club’s fans are equally represented”.
“We’re really proud to be able to share our club with the Cardinia Shire region, and we thank both the Council and our development partner, Parklea for hosting us on Saturday afternoon,” she said.
Kids activities at the event were provided by NAB, AFL Victoria South East Region and South East Juniors.