THE AFL isn’t ready for Good Friday football, but Eltham is.
The Panthers are looking to seize the day by holding a local derby with rival Greensborough at Eltham Central Reserve.
It will be the first time the Northern Football League has staged a game on Good Friday.
Eltham vice-president Chris Freeman said the club was anticipating a big day.
“We’ve worked with the NFL and Greensborough in a partnership to make this happen,” he said.
“It’s going to be an annual event. The following year it will be played at Greensborough. It’s a big deal for the competition and the two clubs involved.
“We’re hoping to attract a crowd of a couple of thousand people.”
Freeman said he hoped a couple of big names in Panthers colours would help bring in the crowds.
Former Bomber Jay Neagle joined Eltham this year, while ex-Magpie Ben Johnson (pictured below) will be making a one-off appearance for the Panthers on the day.
Throw in the always-juicy local rivalry between the Panthers and the Borough, and there is plenty of action on offer.
The day will also include fundraising efforts, with the Eltham CFA on hand to collect donations for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
It will be a full day of football action, with under-19s and reserves games on before the senior game starts at 2pm.
“It’s the local derby. It doesn’t get much better than that,” Freeman said.
Eltham is looking to rebound after falling to a 45-point loss to Lower Plenty in Round 1, while Greensborough’s confidence will be sky-high after thumping Montmorency in the opening round.
Eltham has won its past four matches against the Boro, by an average margin of 33 points.
GAME TIMES:
Under-19 – 9:40am
Reserves – 11:55am
Seniors – 2:10pm
This article is courtesy of Leader Newspaper.
