Dear Members,

As we celebrate Anzac Day round by reflecting on the sacrifices made by our servicemen & women , the St Marys community has suffered a loss much closer to home.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of former player Stephen Bourke who passed away on Wednesday aged 16. Stephen played all of his junior football with St Mary’s right up to Colts last year and will be remembered as a fine young man by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences go out to John, Sandra, Matthew & Caitlan as well as Stephen’s many friends & teammates. All of our thoughts and best wishes are with you at this most difficult time. Teams have been invited to wear black armbands this weekend as a sign of respect to Stephen and his family.

Our home teams this weekend will also be asked to observe a minute silence to respect the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day and the Gallipoli landing. Those teams with away fixtures are encouraged to observe the arrangements put in place by their host club.

The Senior Club will also be honouring the memory of one of our own as they host Banyule FC for the first time this Saturday. Dave “Pigga” Williams is a Banyule FC life member who is survived by his son Rory, a member of our Under 12 gold team. Rory has been asked to present a medal named in his father’s honour to the best on ground. The day will also feature a half time exhibition game between some of the St Marys & Banyule Tackers players. The AFL football will be on the big screen upstairs and all Junior members are invited to enjoy the hospitality of our senior club this Saturday.

This Sunday night – Under 10’s & 11’s Age Group night.

Speeches – 6PM sharp – our 10’s & 11’s coaches will be invited to say a few words & invite their teams on stage.
Kids Pizza – served free of charge for all players & siblings, after the speeches approx 6:30
Adult Meals –served after the kids. This week a variety lasagna and salad – for the budget price of $10
Raffles – Drawn 7 PM: a magnificent seafood platter donated by Fishi Business at Greensborough Plaza and the opportunity to win $250 cash in our joker jackpot.
Lucky balls – a number will be drawn out of the box and one player in attendance who wears that guernsey number this year will walk away with a $25 Rebel Sport voucher. Great to see two tackers boys take home the prize last weekend.

Next Sunday Night 3rd May will be focused on our under 12 & under 13’s Age Groups.

It will be a solemn weekend for our club, but I trust we will put our best feet forward on the football field, honouring all of those departed by playing the game in the true Burra spirit.

Regards,

Evan Butterworth
President
0413 266 484