Multicultural team kicking goals

There were skilful goals, spectacular marks and crunching tackles at the Sydney Swans and Essendon match on Sunday, but these were different to the ones that occurred at the SCG.

After a week of rain and ground closures, Melbourne’s Multicultural Community Cup side travelled to the Harbour City to take on Sydney’s Multicultural team.

With the Sydney side kitted up in Swans jumpers and Melbourne in Essendon Guernsey’s, clear skies welcomed the visitors after the game was originally called off late on Friday.

Thankfully Centennial Parklands agreed to play the game at Bat and Ball Oval where Melbourne claimed first bragging rights in the inaugural inter-state Multicultural Community Cup.

Sydney, comprised of players from the Auburn Tigers, Moorebank, Penrith, Manly and St George Australian Football Clubs, went toe to toe with the well-drilled and more experienced Melbourne side, but were overcome in the second half.

The match was part of a weekend visit coordinated between Essendon, the Australian Federal Police and AFL (NSW/ACT)’s Multicultural Program.

The weekend included an enjoyable dinner in Greenacre and tickets to the Swans and Essendon match.

Essendon’s Community Manager Nick Hannett said the idea of the match is to connect diverse communities with Australian Football. 

“We received some very informative and positive feedback from our players about the importance of football in breaking down barriers and building partnerships and relationships between the Islamic and Multicultural communities, the AFP and the wider community,” Hannett said.

Whilst the Swans restored some of NSW’s pride by overcoming Essendon at the SCG, the Sydney community side is looking forward to a rematch against Melbourne next year.

Sydney’s Ali Faraj said his side could have won the inaugural match.

“Up at half time I thought we had them, we were playing a hard brand of footy, making every hit count and they were feeling the pressure,” he said.
“Second half the Melbourne side flexed their experience and skills and ran away with the game and they were well deserved winners.

“Hopefully next year with more experience under our belts we can get the win on Melbourne home soil.”