Footy players who grew up in Bass Coast have told of their pride at returning to play in the Sunday 30 April historic double-header at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
A crowd of more than 3000 is expected to watch the Hawthorn Football Club's VFLW team take on the Casey Demons at 11:30 am, followed by the Hawk's VFL team taking the field at 2:05 pm.
It will be the first game for competition points at this level ever played in Bass Coast.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said when Bass Coast Shire Council secured a partnership with Hawthorn Football Club last year they have been working towards this moment, which not only celebrates footy at Bass Coast, but gender equality.
"We are committed to promoting Australian Rules football in the region and in particular women's participation, which is why games like this are so important to stage,'' Cr Whelan said.
"We share with Hawthorn the goal to level the playing field for women and girls in sport, so this partnership enables us to work collaboratively towards driving greater football participation in the women's space.''
Cr Whelan said the game will kick-start a push for the State Government to help fund a masterplan to significantly upgrade the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
"Council passionately believes the Masterplan is necessary to deliver better facilities for the local Bass Coast community, fans and encourage more women and girls to get into sport.''
"As Victoria's fastest rising regional population per capita, this investment would not only be an important recognition for Bass Coast but reflects our deep commitment to gender equality, inclusion and diversity.''
The celebrations on Sunday will also include Auskick sessions, kick to kick on the field during the breaks, opportunities to listen to the coaches, and other family-friendly activities, plus food and drink options. Entry is free.
Grace Matser and Grace McRae are among the players who grew up in Bass Coast and learnt their footy skills here, along with Sunday Brisbane, Macie Gilmour and Max Walton.
Hawks VFLW midfielder Grace McRae said the double-header was a significant day for the region.
"Having grown up playing for Dalyston in the Bass Coast region, I'm so proud to be returning to my hometown and highlighting the great pathways now in place for women and girls playing footy regionally," Grace said.
"This is my second season with the Hawks having graduated from the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League Girls competition. I've really enjoyed the step-up to VFLW and have been lucky enough to be voted in by my peers as a leadership group member this season. It's been great to continue to develop my craft in the midfield as well as enhance my leadership skills in the brown and gold."
Hawk ruck Grace Matser said the day would be a chance for Wonthaggi to shine.
"I have great memories of my time at the mighty Bass Coast Breakers so I'm super excited to play at the wonderful Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve with my new Hawks teammates. A lot of them haven't experienced much regional footy so I can't wait for the Bass Coast community to put on a show and hopefully we can do the same on-field against Casey,'' Grace said.
"I've been really enjoying my first season at the Hawks. I thrive on each opportunity I get to go up against the best rucks in the competition and am always looking to develop and improve each game. I've got great support around me, and I know that if we get all the pieces together, we're one of the hardest teams to beat in the competition."
