Mooroopna Recreation Reserve will play host to the Goulburn Valley League (GVL) and Ovens and Murray Football Netball League (O&M) interleague matches scheduled to be played on Saturday, May 28.
After reviewing submissions from its clubs to host the matches, the GVL board made the decision late last week to give Moorooopna the event, which will feature under-18 football along with open and 17-and-under netball.
Board chairman David Roff said a lot went into the process of deciding on a suitable host for the interleague matches.
“The board was pleased to receive several submissions from GOTAFE GVL clubs to host these matches. It was a difficult decision, but the submission from Mooroopna FNC was selected after lengthy discussions,” Roff said.
The senior football teams will once again play for the coveted Ash-Wilson Trophy, currently held by the O&M.
The leagues have competed against each other since 2001 with the trophy being named after Shepparton and Albury legend Stephen Ash and Wangaratta Rovers champion Mick Wilson.
Roff said he was incredibly excited to see the interleague rivalry return in 2022 after COVID-19 forced its cancellation in the past two seasons.
“After having to cancel interleague matches the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are eagerly anticipating these games and the return of the Ash-Wilson Trophy that is currently held by the SS&A O&M,” he said.
O&M is equally excited to return to the interleague stage, as general manager Craig Millar said the league and its players held the event in high regard.
“The O&M has a strong history with representative football and netball and we look forward to playing against the GVL for the Ash-Wilson Trophy. Our league holds this trophy in high regard,” Millar said.
“The rivalry between our two leagues is alive and well.”
O&M chairman David Sinclair said being able to have crowds at the games would serve as a major boost as football and netball leagues across the country continued to rebuild.
“We look forward to resuming the rivalry between two very proud country football and netball leagues. We also look forward to crowds getting back to watch the best country football and netball players,” Sinclair said.