The historic Ensay Recreation Reserve will burst back to life this Saturday when Swifts Creek hosts Buchan for a special round 12 Omeo District Football Netball League (ODFNL) fixture.
While it has been 30 years since the Ensay Football Club last competed in the ODFNL, and a decade since the ground last hosted league finals, Saturday’s clash marks the first official football and netball matches played at the venue following extensive recent renovations.
The Ensay Eagles folded in 1995 after a proud history that included 10 senior football premierships — the first achieved in 1907 and the final flag raised in 1960. Historically, the ground was one of the league’s most popular finals venues, routinely attracting large crowds drawn to its picturesque setting nestled between the Tambo River and the surrounding hills, which offers excellent elevated spectator parking and viewing lines.
A large crowd is anticipated for the weekend fixture, drawing not only Swifts Creek and Buchan faithful, but also significant local interest and a contingent of past Ensay players eager to revisit old memories.
In a nod to local history, the senior Swifts Creek football team will take the field wearing a specially commissioned set of traditional Ensay jumpers, featuring the iconic royal blue with a gold chevron. These keepsake jumpers will be auctioned off after the match as a major fundraiser for the Swifts Creek Football Netball Club, offering supporters and residents a unique piece of regional sporting memorabilia.
Adding to the occasion, highly respected husband-and-wife umpiring duo Dale and Tracey West will return to the High Country to officiate. The pair, who have a long history officiating across the ODFNL and East Gippsland, currently run with the Sale Umpires Association in the North Gippsland league. Organisers from both clubs expressed their gratitude for the duo’s willingness to travel and be part of the historic day.
The round will also form part of local NAIDOC Week celebrations, with a specially struck NAIDOC Medal to be awarded to the player judged best on ground in the senior football match.
The Swifts Creek Football Netball Club will handle catering throughout the day, culminating in a post-match dinner featuring roast lamb and roast pork with all the trimmings. For patrons wishing to avoid a late-night drive home, camping is available on-site at the reserve, with powered sites accessible for a donation to the Ensay Recreation Reserve committee.
In the other ODFNL match, Lindenow South will host Omeo Benambra, hoping to emulate their 15-point victory from round two. The Alpine Ranges still have a number of players yet to qualify for finals participation, meaning they will travel with a highly competitive lineup, making the Swampies’ task significantly harder.
Ladder leader Bruthen has the bye.
