By Travis Parnaby
This Sunday sees the dawning of an annual fixture sure to excite football fans in Melbourne’s eastern suburban corridor.
The EastLink Cup will be played annually by the Frankston and Box Hill Hawks Football Clubs, who will rotate home fixtures each season. Thanks to ConnectEast, entry to EastLink Cup matches will be free to all patrons.
The cup – a uniquely-designed green and orange trophy – was born out of a new partnership between ConnectEast and AFL Victoria, recently announced by State Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas.
“Through this sponsorship, EastLink operator ConnectEast is engaging with the local communities and establishing sporting rivalry between VFL clubs along the EastLink corridor,” Mr Pallas said.
The $2.5 billion EastLink project opens next Sunday on June 29 and will streamline travel from Ringwood to Frankston.
Frankston captain Shaun Pollard said life would be made a little bit easier by the much-anticipated roadway.
“It’s a good thing for both clubs with us both situated at either end of EastLink and very advantageous for players getting to training and matches,” Pollard said.
“I work right near the middle of EastLink so it’s going to make it easier for me."
Pollard was particularly chuffed that EastLink was backing the Victorian Football League and would provide free entry to the EastLink Cup for fans.
“For EastLink to come on board, that’s a fantastic for stand alone clubs such as Frankston to get that support and the VFL competition in general,” Pollard said.
The Dolphins are right in the hunt for finals action for the first time since 2006. In recent outings at Frankston Oval, life’s been a highway for the Dolphins with 96 and 66-point home wins over Werribee and then Tasmania.
Pollard was optimistic of another strong home performance, this time against the improving Hawks.
“We hope to put on a good show for the home fans,” the ever-reliable Frankston defender said.
Pollard’s nemesis for the first ever EastLink Cup, Box Hill Hawk skipper Alister Neville also heaped praised on the latest VFL trophy on offer.
“Frankston and Box Hill are both community-friendly clubs and this is a great way for supporters to come watch us whether we are playing at home or at Frankston Oval,” Neville said.
ConnectEast’s involvement with the VFL does not stop with the EastLink Cup. The EastLink schools competition is set to start and will involve eight teams from primary schools dotted along the EastLink route.
In a win for families, ConnectEast will give all children free entry to the Celebration of Victorian Football (the TAC Cup and VFL Grand Finals) on Friday, September 26 at Telstra Dome.
Last Modified on 19/01/2009 10:19