Welcome, everyone.

Last weekend, our club joined more than 300 clubs, and over 3,000 teams across Victoria for the Pat Cronin Foundation Round. Together, we remember Pat and support the movement to end senseless violence.

Pat’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a single act of violence can devastate lives. Ten years ago in April 2016, after playing his first senior football match with his brother Lucas, Pat went out for a quiet night with friends. A fight broke out and one of his mates was attacked, so Pat stepped in to help, when a coward punch from behind struck him in the head. He remained standing at the time, checking on his friends, but hours later suffered a seizure. Two days later, his family made the devastating decision to turn off his life support.

As we participated this weekend, wearing the yellow ‘Be Wise’ armbands, we remembered Pat and committed as a Club to play our part in building safer communities. Violence is never okay, and respect for our teammates, opponents and officials is key to creating a positive, supportive environment.

Please join us in shaking hands with your opponents before and after the games, sharing our message on social media, and supporting the Foundation raffle to win a Mazda CX-5, with all proceeds going towards expanding the Foundation’s education programs. This year, there is also a Club Challenge, where the top-selling club in each league will receive a $500 VISA card to support their club.

Together, let’s take a stand, lean in, and participate in what this Round means to Be Wise and End the Coward Punch.

The Pat Cronin Medal

During Round 3, medals in honour of Pat Cronin were presented to the players from each team deemed by the umpires to have played with the best spirit and endeavour. 

For the Warriors Over 50s, congrats to Matt Devenish and for the 35s, Jeff Elliott, for winning these inaugural medals with their outstanding, courageous performances. Well done guys!