South West’s finest footballers wind back the clock in Footy for Life charity match

A selection of the South West’s greatest football players came together to kick goals for charity in a recent exhibition match. Despite the match taking place in the middle of a Perth heatwave, a star-studded line-up of footy greats lined up for the Footy for Life charity match at Leederville Oval on Saturday. Former West Coast Eagle and South Bunbury Tiger Adam Hunter shone on the field, kicking four goals for the Crusaders, the team captained by Ben Cousins and coached by John Worsfold, who has ties with Donnybrook Football Club. Fellow former Eagle Andrew Embley, who had made a guest appearance for Donnybrook in 2014, lined up for the Crusaders, along with Manjimup-born Matt Priddis, and one-time Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lion Glen Jakovich, who slotted a number of goals during the second quarter despite finding himself in an unfamiliar position at full-forward. Despite the Crusaders’ best efforts, it was not enough to topple Des Headland’s Spartans, who featured a handy line-up including former Collie Eagle Ryan Crowley and Lewis Jetta, who recently quashed hopes of returning to the South West Football League after signing with High Wycombe in the Perth Football League. Fans filled the stands for the afternoon of football festivities, which was organised in support of the charities Lifeline WA and Happiness Co Foundation. While the competition was at times comical, rivals kept play competitive with the Spartans coming out on top 24.12 (156) to Crusaders’ 20.5 (125). Thousands of fans found their way into the ground for the ticketed event, including players, young families, corporate guests and sponsors. Before the bouncedown, both teams lined up for a welcome to country and smoking ceremony.