Beaconsfield and Narre Warren Masters players are throwing their support behind next month’s Pat Cronin Foundation Round, joining a campaign uniting 78,000 players against violence from May 1 to 3.
The two are among 36 clubs in the AFL Masters Vic Metro Football League joining this year’s round for the first time.
Honouring Coward Punch victim Pat Cronin, this year’s event carries added significance, coming just after the 10th anniversary of his death in April, 2016.
The initiative educates players, coaches and spectators about the impacts of violence and the importance of emotional control both in sport and off the field, as part of the Foundation’s broader goal of challenging Australians’ attitudes to violence.
Beaconsfield will take on reigning premiers Frankston at the Tigersharks’ home turf at Baxter Park on May 3 in what is expected to be an intense showdown. Narre Warren meanwhile will battle it out with Cranbourne at Kalora Park on the same day.
Beaconsfield secretary David Auld said he was excited to be part of an event that brought people together behind such an important message.
“For our club, this round is about community and connection. It’s a reminder that what happens on the field can influence how we act off it, and that respect should always come first,” he said.
According to AFLVM president Damian Bradley, who recently signed the partnership with the Foundation: “Initiatives like this not only raise awareness but also help drive meaningful conversations and positive change, both on and off the field.”
Member for Berwick and Shadow Minister for Sport Brad Battin praised the initiative saying: “Community supporting community is how we prevent violence before it starts, and that’s exactly what initiatives like this represent.
“The incredible work of the Pat Cronin Foundation continues to lead important conversations about respect, responsibility and the real impact of violence.”
In welcoming AFL Masters to the round, Foundation director Matt Cronin said that along with nine leagues and more than 3300 teams, the event would attract an estimated crowd of 300,000 supporters.
“The round has become an effective way to connect with the community the grassroots level and complements our work in more than 600 schools throughout Australia, delivering specialised violence-prevention education,” he said.
“During the round we emphasise the importance of being respectful to your opponents and playing within the rules of the game.
“Every player wears a ‘Let’s End the Coward Punch’ yellow armband to keep our messages front and centre, and all are required to shake their opponents’ hands before and after each game – a simple but meaningful gesture.
“We also encourage all clubs in the round to undertake our Play Wise Live Wise presentation.”
