There’s plenty on the line ahead of Sunday’s Group 10 derby between Hawks and CYMS, a shot at the minor premiership for one and a top three berth for the other.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But for two blues secretary Andrew Blimka the biannual grudge match is taking on a little extra meaning.
Blimka and Bloomfield Tigers treasurer Glen Robinson got together in the pre-season with the aim of developing a charity day for both clubs.
It didn’t take long to find the ideal beneficiary, either.
“We were wondering how to go about it and we realised pretty quickly we’ve both got blue uniforms, and we decided to go with ‘two blues go Beyondblue,” Blimka said.
“Basically, we’re planning on raising money for mental health, which is out there in the community and we think it’s important to raise awareness for it.”
Around three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression and Beyondblue provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
To help with the blue theme, Blimka has 300 Blatchy’s Blues wigs and 500 Blatchy’s Blues shirts to give away to anyone who makes a donation at Wade Park on Sunday.
The blue wash will make it pretty hard to miss Hawks’ message for the day, but it’ll also add plenty of atmosphere to a derby between the first-placed two blues and Mick Sullivan’s CYMS side, one marking an almighty charge at the Group 10 top three.
Five grades will play on Sunday, kicking off with an under 10s game at 10am while league tag, under 18s and first division derbies will act as preludes to the premier league clash.
“We’re aligning with the juniors and Hawks and Bloomfield are having a combined family fun day, we’ll have jumping castles, a juniors relay race and plenty happening. We really want to get as many people to Wade Park as we can and have a real crack at raising plenty of money for what is a great cause,” Blimka said.
There will also be 500 wrist bands and 500 information packs Beyondblue has donated at the ground for those in attendance.
“Take one home, have a read and there’s an outlet to speak to people you can trust,” Blimka added.