Coburg will celebrate the life of Vicki Cleary – the sister of club great Phil Cleary – at its match against the Northern Blues at Piranha Park this Sunday.
Vicki Cleary was 25 years old when she was killed in an attack by her ex-boyfriend in Coburg in August 1987. She was present when her brother played his 200th VFA/VFL match for the Lions just two months prior, with Phil going on to coach his beloved club to premierships in 1988 and 1989.
Coburg General Manager Sebastian Spagnuolo said the club was honoured to join Cleary in his stand against violence towards women.
“In the space of 18-36 months, Phil had gone through the lowest point and then two of the highest points of his life,” Spagnuolo said. “The Coburg FC and the Coburg community was with him then and is proud to be with him now again 30 years later.
“Our football club is honoured to stand beside Phil to make a stand and raise awareness for all victims of violence against women and all victims of domestic and family abuse on Sunday.”
A pre-match luncheon starting at 12pm will be attended by prominent campaigners against violence towards women, including 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty.
Spectators will be asked to make a gold coin donation upon entry and there will be a minute’s silence observed at 1.50pm before the game commences at 2pm.
The match will also be live streamed on vfl.com.au.
Victoria Police received 78,628 reports of family violence incidents last year, an average of 214 a day. That figure represented an increase of 21,833 over the past four years and an increase of 5.7 per cent from 2015.
* Photo: Kadek Thatcher
Last Modified on 27/04/2017 08:53
