Marg Annand opens her Kangaroo Flat home to host three Bendigo Pioneers who have relocated from Mildura and Broken Hill to play in AFL Victoria TAC Cup action.
HAPPY HOME: Liam McGlashan, Jayden White, Marg Annand and Sam Simmons. Picture: JODIE DONNELLAN
IT'S not just on the footy field or school that Bendigo Pioneers team-mates Sam Simmons, Liam McGlashan and Jayden White have racked up many minutes together.
The talented trio, who relocated to Bendigo to pursue their football dream, live together in Kangaroo Flat where Marg Annand is their host.
First to move in was McGlashan from Red Cliffs in 2014 before Simmons arrived in July.
A first-year Pioneer, White moved in to Marg's home last March.
He and Simmons grew up together in Broken Hill.
Family links led to McGlashan and then Pioneers clubmate Ethan Ban, also from Mildura, being hosted by Marg last year.
"A cousin of mine works with Liam's dad. They were looking for a host family, so I decided to help out," Marg said.
A keen supporter of North Melbourne Football Club, Marg said she had always been a footy fan.
"My nieces, Bronte and Adelaide, and nephew, Jesse are all boundary umpires.
"Bronte has umpired a few TAC Cup matches, some of them were Pioneers games, as well."
Her three house guests said Marg's support was superb.
"What Marg does is awesome," McGlashan said.
"Moving from home was not easy. Marg, the footy club and school (Bendigo Senior SC) did and still provide a lot of support."
It's a team effort when it comes to household tasks.
"Marg is at every Pioneers game," said McGlashan.
Knee tendinitis has restricted McGlashan to just a few games the past two seasons.
"It's been frustrating."
Captain of the Pioneers, Simmons was amazed that Marg made the trek to Sydney to watch him play for the GWS Giants reserves a couple of weeks ago.
White has kicked on from playing in Broken Hill to be a Pioneer.
He has played in most of this season's TAC Cup games and will line up for South Bendigo in next Monday's play against Strathfieldsaye.
