Gala game, memorable night
• Recruit-for-a-day Brett Staker (14) awaits a ball-up outcome with ruckman Nat Barnett and Dylan Baker.
By Ross Jacobson,
APRIL 28, 2021
A huge crowd and perfect weather was the setting for Bridport Football Club’s first Molly and Maurice Blackberry Memorial day.
Sponsored by their son Mark Blackberry and his Brisbane-based Sunchip business, the gala day featured visits from Brisbane Lions and Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge with Lions club mates Simon Black, Adrian Fletcher and Brett Staker, who took to the field as an honorary Seagull for the day.
Even former My Kitchen Rules winner Dan Mulheron was at the barbecue flipping a few sausages.
Hodge, who had been commentating on the televised game from Melbourne the night before, appreciated the change of pace to country footy.
“There’s nothing like it is there?
“And the view’s not too bad either,” he said looking out over the ground to Anderson Bay.
The four Lions were guests of honour at a sportsmen’s night giving insights into their careers and other great footy stories with some entertaining interviewing by Brisbane visitor “Mugsy on the mic”.
A number of merchandise items were auctioned off, but the highlight of the night was when Hodge, who is an ambassador for My Room children's cancer charity, auctioned off an exclusive game of golf to raise $25,000 due to three generous locals.
He was overwhelmed by the response, as he had hoped to raise up to $20,000 over the next six weeks leading up to a marathon he is competing in.
The gala day organisers thanked Mark Blackberry and the crew he’d brought with him from Queensland for a short Tassie holiday.
Staff from club sponsor the Furneaux Tavern, who flew in from Flinders Island to run the bar also earned a thank you along with the volunteers and people who had lent a hand on the day and helped clean up after a successful event.
