Chris Buss–Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy football match held at Goodwood Oval to raise awareness for organ donation

A new footy rivalry has emerged as the old clubs of two late beloved SA teens played in their honour and battled it out on the field.

As a footy-mad youngster, Charlie Stevens would spend hours playing the game he loved with friends at local parks and at school.

On Saturday, his family including father, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, ex-teammates and old footy foes came together at Goodwood Oval to remember him – and help celebrate his legacy as an organ donor.

Charlie’s old club Goodwood Saints tackled PHOS Camden for the newly-renamed Chris Buss-Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy.

Charlie’s name will forever remain on the silver cup alongside Chris, a talented 17-year-old PHOS A-grade player who died in a road accident on Tapleys Hill Road in 2003.

The respective clubs joined forces with DonateLife for the initiative, designed to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Commissioner Stevens said his youngest son – who was killed in an alleged hit-run during Schoolies celebrations at Goolwa last November – “lived to play footy” and would have been chuffed with the honour.

“He loved the game, he loved going to training, but he loved the connection with people,” he said.

“The network of friends he had as a result of football was just massive.

“This really means a lot to us.”

Charlie Stevens was killed in an alleged hit-run at Goolwa in November 2023. Picture: Supplied.

Chris Buss, 17, was killed in a car crash on Tapleys Hill Rd in July, 2003.

Chris Buss-Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy Football at Goodwood Oval. Emma and Grant Stevens and Greg and Georgine Buss 25th May 2024. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Chris Buss-Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy Football at Goodwood Oval. 25th May 2024. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Many of those friends were among the two hundred-plus supporters who turned out to watch the Div 2 teams battle it out under sunny skies.

There was a huge roar from the passionate home crowd as the senior squads emerged from the change rooms in the afternoon.

The contest was willing early, and the Saints booted the first goal within five minutes.

Daniel McLaren, 18, was eagerly watching with some friends in the stands. He was close with Charlie, and played two seasons with him in the Saints’ underage sides.

He described his old mate as a dour defender and selfless teammate on the field.

“As a person he was always trying to make people laugh, he was just a funny guy. As a player he was just tough at it, wouldn’t care if he got hurt. He just loved his teammates,” Daniel said.

Chris Buss’s father Greg was also on the boundary line watching his late son’s beloved PHOS Camden battle it out.

“It’s a really tough day. We’ve been preparing for this for a couple of weeks but it’s become a lot bigger,” he said.

“I think everyone is enjoying themselves as best they can, our family included. It’s an honour to be a part of the day.”

Chris Buss-Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy Football at Goodwood Oval. Grant Stevens presents the trophy to winning Goodwood Saints Coach Ben Johnston. 25th May 2024. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Chris Buss-Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy Football at Goodwood Oval. Grant Stevens and Greg Buss with the winning Goodwood Saints team. 25th May 2024. Picture: Brett Hartwig

It’s been over a decade since the Chris Buss Memorial Trophy was presented for the first and only time to Goodwood. That was in 2011, about eight years after Chris died.

The clubs have since been in different divisions, so their top teams haven’t gone head-to-head, until Saturday.

The Saints again secured victory on Saturday, this time by 22 points, with Commissioner Stevens presenting the trophy to winning coach Ben Johnston.

But Goodwood president Jordan Dodd said the result wasn’t at the forefront of their minds.

“I love to win but I’m not a winning at all costs president. I love to see a day where the whole community comes out, gets behind a cause and takes a message on board,” she said.

And that message about organ donation is a critical one. Following his death, seven of Charlie’s organs were donated to recipients in need and another was donated for research into juvenile diabetes.

“Charlie was a good footballer, a larrikin, loved by everyone around the club and someone who was always there for his mates,” Ms Dodd said.

“I think with his donation, he’s done in death what he did in life.”

To register for organ donation, visit: donatelife.gov.au