THE Round 14 match between Hillside and Glenroy is not your average top-of-the-table blockbuster.
What sets this game apart is a special pink-themed day, where an all-female umpiring panel will be taking the field in the U19’s, Reserves and Senior games.
This four-year-long tradition sees both clubs enthusiastically participating in not only a great match, but a great cause.
Pink dominates the day to raise money for breast cancer research, as the umpires dress in pink and the players play with a pink ball.
In the annual game, the home side alternates each year, and this year, it is Hillside who have the privilege of hosting the game at Shark Park.
The Sharks will be wearing a commemorative pink jumper in honour of the fabulous day.
Stacey Cartwright-Smith is a long-time umpire, and was one of the spearheads behind the EDFLUA’s idea to have an annual ‘pink game’.
“The idea behind it is to not only have all girls on the panel but also to raise money for charity,” she said.
“We selected the teams based on their relationships with umpires and their involvement in the community.”
Not only did Cartwright-Smith play a big part in initiating the pink game, but she has also umpired in the senior game every year.
She cherishes the experience each year and finds it very rewarding.
It is also a rewarding experience for the players and the clubs involved, as Glenroy and Hillside always produce a stellar day with enthusiastic crowds.
“The players are pretty engaged and they don’t mind having an all-female panel,” she said.
“The best player for each game gets awarded a pink ball at the end of the day as a momento for the event.”
Over the years, generous amounts of money have been raised on the joyful day to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
“The donation put together by clubs and umpires at the end of the day is a really big reward,” Cartwright-Smith said.
This year, the target is $2500, an achievable target if as many people as possible can donate some money to the clubs on the day.
Members of the EDFL community can donate by purchasing raffle tickets which are being sold at the game, and great prizes will be up for grabs.
