Round 5 sees the Mens 35s team taking on Mordialloc B at Mordialloc, and the Over 50s taking on Port Melbourne at Port Melbourne, both games at 12.45pm Sunday. The Womens team for Saturday will be announced in the coming days.

The Over 35s welcome back veteran and Vice-Captain Bomber, while Don Elliott (brother of Jeff) makes his Warriors debut at full forward. Goldy and AJ also come in from the 50s, doing the team thing to help the 35s.

The 50s welcome back reigning best and fairest Clint, plus Scotty and Munga retrun from injury. Dave O’Connor, a regular at Monday Warriorball, makes his debut in a crucial season-defining game against Port.

Reminder for both teams: white shorts, black socks and get there at 11.45am.

The Grunta Medal

When the club hierarchy approached me last year ahead of Round 10 and insisted on establishing a medal in my name for the best player in Over 50s matches against Port Melbourne (my former club), I was reluctant at first. However, when they pointed out what an inspiration I was to Warriors young and old, and how many players strived to emulate my on-field skills, I said “Ok, if you think it will help the club, then I’m fine with it.”

The Grunta Medal is now recognised as one of football’s highest honours and will be awarded to the player this Sunday who exemplifies the highest level of skill, bravery and humility against Port. Last year’s inaugural winner Matty D has been in sensational form, but with a strong side taking to the field Sunday this honour is certainly up for grabs, and I will share my bank account details for those wanting a competitive advantage.

Correction

At training, it was pointed out by many that I incorrectly wrote in my match report that Irritab-Al was undergoing knee surgery. This was not the case – Al underwent a procedure on his elbow plus the removal of a small rodent from his anal cavity.