AFL footy in the Hills area of Sydney has a rivalry which mirrors that of the Adelaide Showdown and the West Aussie Derby. Two Clubs existing in a neighbouring geographical environment will always produce that kind of competitiveness as each endeavours to come out on top when next they meet on the field of battle.
It happens twice a season and sometimes extends into the finals as it will once again this year in the 2015 BLK AFL Sydney Grand Final. When the kid who lives at the top of the hill at Henson Park opens his curtains on Sunday afternoon and looks out onto the ground, he will remember seeing the Eagles and the Demons fighting for the right to fly the Premiership flag in 2006 and again 2008. He, like others, will hope that the weather is kinder to players and supporters than it was in both of those years.
Pennant Hills won each of those Grand Finals whilst East Coast went on to win three in a row in 09, 10 & 11, but none were against the local rivals which makes the 2015 edition even more mouth-watering. Both teams will be revved up to the hilt and spectators are sure to see a great spectacle.
Throughout the season the Eagles’ Club Notes in the Footy Record have always acknowledged those companies and people who returned to support the Club in 2015. Today will be no different, as without them East Coast would not be in a position to even be operating. Three years in the NEAFL took its toll on a Club which was at its prime after 2011 and many have conjectured just how the Eagles were able to resurrect themselves.
Contrary to some opinions, it has been done through the sheer hard work of the replacement Board of Directors, the loyalty of many wonderful people, the support of eight major sponsors and the tenacity of those in the playing group who committed to remain at the Eagles, despite the precarious position it found itself in.
It would be great to mention every person involved, but for now we sincerely thank the Kanebridge
Group for taking the naming rights at what used to be known as Bruce Purser Reserve. Kanebridge are now deeply engrained within the culture of the Club and further big things are planned for our relationship to grow even further. Vesta Homes have been unwavering in their support having stepped into the AFL world for the first time and loved every minute of it as our back of the jumper partner.
Mansfield Corporation took on the shorts sponsorship, the KFC logo on the footballs has created huge interest and issc.com / Paper Rolls Australia were delighted with the front of the jumper naming rights. The Jatec Trucking logo proudly adorns our supporter merchandise whilst the Fiddler at Rouse Hill came back on board with the Eagles to provide an after match home just down the road from Kanebridge Oval.
To these proud companies we offer our eternal thanks for providing the means to allow us to operate this season and for many, many more.
Congratulations to Andrew McConnell who on Monday night at the Phelan Medal evening was named Captain of the AFL Sydney representative squad. His team mates Jamie Vlatko, Jack Dimery, Trent Stubbs, Kieran Emery, Blake Anderson and Andrew Browning joined him in that honour. Trent Stubbs was rewarded with the Stan Milton Trophy for the leading goalkicker in Premier Division and Jared Patira claimed the same honour at Division Three level.
A reminder to all Eagles supporters that tonight’s post-match function will be held at the Fiddler from 6.30pm and everybody is welcome.
Good luck to all competing teams today and let’s hope the kid in the house on the hill sees three superb games of Grand Final football across the course of the day.
Last Modified on 24/09/2015 15:10
