Picola United will be intent on honouring the club’s history this weekend when it welcomes Katunga for some Saturday afternoon Picola and District Football League action.
The round seven match-up will present an opportunity for Picola to recognise its rich and proud history.
Formed in 1971 after a merger between the Picola Football Club and the Yalca North Football Club, United will be unveiling a squad of the club’s best players from between 1967 and 2021 along with hosting five football premiership reunions and a 60-year A-grade netball premiership reunion.
The club also has a special jumper designed for the day, with Cummeragunja FC, Picola FC, Barmah FC, Moira FC and Yalca FC, the clubs that helped form the ‘United’ component of Picola United, all honoured on the front.
On the field, both United and Katunga have started the season strongly.
United has not lost since round one, while Katunga, who had the bye last week, has also only suffered one loss for the year.
Picola coach Darby Walsh said it was a big game for the side.
“They’re going to be right up there fighting for the positions we’re fighting for,” Walsh said.
“We certainly know it’s a big game and I’m sure they’re thinking the same thing.”
Walsh said over the first five weeks of the season United had shown it could compete with the top sides, however admitted consistency was something it needed to work on.
The side will welcome Mitch Hore back in to the squad for the contest and Walsh, a premiership winner with the club, said the heritage round would provide added motivation for the team.
“It will be a good opportunity for us to catch up with some of our good mates and some of our people that we might not have seen for a while,” Walsh said.
“We’re not letting that change our preparation, we’re not letting that change our mindset or our attitude to the game, but there will certainly be a bit of a crowd there and it will be a great day for the club.”
Katunga coach Damian Kennedy said he expected a pretty tough hit-out.
“It’s a must-win game,” Kennedy said.
“If you want to try and finish as high as you can these are the games you just can’t afford to drop so it’s a big game in the scheme of things.”
Braydon Kearns will be back in the Swans’ squad, while Mitch Sidebottom could make a return.
“He’s (Kearns) one of our best on-ballers so he has goal-kicking ability as well as midfield clearances so that’s a massive in,” Kennedy said.
Saturday’s game at the Picola Recreation Reserve will begin at 2.05pm.
In other Picola and District Football League action, Tocumwal will play host to Jerilderie, with both sides looking to get back on the winners’ list.
Berrigan will travel away to Rennie, while Tungamah will welcome Katamatite to Jubilee Park in a mouthwatering clash.
Mathoura and Deni Rovers will do battle in Mathoura, while Strathmerton will be going for two wins in a row against Blighty.
Katandra and Waaia both have the weekend off.