It's one of, if not the, most fierce rivalries in the Peel Football and and Netball League, but the Pinjarra Tigers and Waroona Demons will team up (in a sense) to combat mental illness when they clash this Saturday.
While the two will still lock horns in what is always a brutal encounter at Sir Ross McLarty Oval, their round 10 showdown will be dedicated to promoting the well-being of all involved in their clubs and communities as they take part in the WA Country Football League's Think Mental Health initiative.
As community hubs we need to be doing what we can to make sure we support our mates.
- Tigers coach Troy Vidovich
The drive, created through the WACFL's partnership with Healthway, will see clubs from across the state promoting the Think Mental Health message.
It's an easy concept for both Pinjarra and Waroona to adopt, given the two rivals have already held an annual Mental Health Game for the past three seasons.
It's a drive both Pinjarra coach Troy Vidovich and his Waroona counterpart Matt Templeton say is of paramount importance for not just football and netball clubs, but for the entire communities of the small towns they reside in.
"Anyone who has watched our two clubs play on the field probably thinks we hate each other, but being just down the road from one another there's always been a really close off-field connection between the two," Vidovich said.
"It's the same with the two towns. They're so close that when a someone is struggling or a tragedy strikes in the community, it's felt on each end.
"That's why it's so important for us as clubs to be driving this message. As community hubs we need to be doing what we can to make sure we support our mates."
For both us and Pinjarra, to be involved in a day like this, it's a really proud time for our club.
- Demons coach Matt Templeton
Templeton, who has now coached and played at both clubs, stressed the importance of providing people with an environment that gives them a sense of belonging.
"Footy clubs need to be a place where people can come and feel like they belong," he said.
"It's a collective endeavour - everyone there is trying to reach the same goal be that on or off the field, so to rally around each other when someone might be doing it tough is important.
"For both us and Pinjarra, to be involved in a day like this, it's a really proud time for our club."
The two sides will mark the occasion by donning their specific "Mental health jumpers" for the game, while Pinjarra will also be hosting their annual Ladies Day function to help raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.
The league game kicks off on Saturday, 2.30pm.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
