The annual marquee ‘Blue Ribbon Cup’ is returning to the Wimmera Football Netball League fixture when the  Warrack Eagles take on Horsham Saints on Saturday.

Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch president Dale Russell said the event commemorated the 174 police officers who died in the line of duty, and raised awareness of the foundation.

“This year will be the first time we have had the cup game since 2019,” he said.

“Each year the AFL hosts a Blue Ribbon round and from that, we adapted it and started one in the Wimmera league.

“Traditionally the feature game is between St Kilda, the Saints, and Hawthorn, the Hawks, but we don’t have a Hawks, so Warrack Eagles were the closest team.”

In attendance will be Victoria Police chaplain Andrew Cartledge, Victoria Blue Ribbon Foundation chief executive Neil Soulier, Horsham Superintendent Ian Milner and Wimmera Football Netball League chair Pauline Butler.

Mr Russell said senior football and A Grade netball teams would contest the cup.

“The best player in A Grade netball and senior football will be awarded a medal following the matches,” he said.

“Every grade across both codes will wear blue and white armbands.”

The match is conducted in line with Blue Ribbon Foundation weekly awards.

Mr Russell said the Horsham branch wanted to support the spirit of sport, and under-17 awards were a part of that.

“The awards go to players who respect their teammates, umpires and opposition, have a good attitude and show sportsmanship,” he said.

The entire August 10, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!