By Sophie Hammill
The two newest teams to join the WRFL are set to go head to head in this Saturday’s inaugural 520 Shield.
The Wyndham Suns, who joined the WRFL this year, will host the second newest team Tarneit, who formed in 2014, in a local derby match set to have the neighbourhood divided.
With both clubs sponsored by Hotel 520, the Shield is a chance for the new clubs to not only earn some silverware and grow its short history, but to create a tradition for years to come.
Coming across from the VAFA to join its junior teams at the start of the year, the Suns have slipped into the Division Three competition seamlessly, showcasing how talented they are with the seniors winning 8 out of their 12 matches.
Club President Graeme Clark said that he was delighted the club was doing so well in its first season in the WRFL.
“(The) Suns have been more competitive than we anticipated this season, which has been fantastic, particularly as a new club in the league,” he said.
Situated in one of Melbourne’s main growth areas, the transition from the VAFA to the WRFL has been a positive one for the Suns, with Clark stating that the players have enjoyed the “minimal to no travel time,” this season.
Through the help of its sponsors, website and new senior coach Matthew Stoodley, the Suns have seen their club and it members expand in size over a relatively short period of time.
No less than 8km down the road, Tarneit has found itself in a similar situation, despite having to start their team from scratch.
With “an average of 100 Tarneit spectators per game,” it becomes evident that their support base is continuously being built, with a fantastic reception from the local community.
“With more people continuously moving into the area, the club continues to grow, along with the help of the club’s sponsor Stocklands who advertises the club on their Facebook page,” Tarneit Club President Sue Thornton said.
Thornton has been with the club since it originated in December 2013 and has been delighted with the way the club has “improved greatly over the last year.”
With the seniors winning four matches this season, compared to the one match in 2014, the appointment of coach Max DeGroot has had a very positive impact on the side.
In the pair’s first clash in Round 6 earlier this year resulting in a draw, there will be no shortage of rivalry, as the newest local derby will be sure to draw a huge following.
While it is the first Shield of its kind, Clark hopes for “two 520 Shields to be held in the 2016 season, with the four sponsored Hotel 520 clubs getting involved in the future.”
Tune into 88.9 WYN FM for the WRFL Match of the Day broadcast between Wyndham Suns vs Tarneit from 1:30pm this Saturday.
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Last Modified on 10/07/2015 10:03