Bush footy spirit alive as rivals step up to help Ramco Roosters
The Riverland sporting community is rallying behind a local club after its football and netball uniforms were destroyed in a car fire after an emotional day for the club.
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Players and supporters of Riverland Independent Football League club Ramco weathered one of the most emotional days in its history last Saturday. And it had nothing to do with the scoreboard.
Following the Roosters’ 28-point loss to Sedan Cambrai, A-grade player and heart attack survivor Daniel Donnelly was chaired off the ground in recognition of his 150th game.
Just hours later, the guernsey he was wearing, along with those of all of his teammates, was destroyed in a horrifying car fire as a result of a collision on the Sturt Highway near Blanchetown.
The accident is the subject of a police investigation but it’s understood four Ramco members, a woman and three children, were involved in the crash, which saw their ute roll and burst into flames.
Miraculously the 42-year-old driver and three young boys aged 10, 7 and 6 escaped without serious injury.
But the ute was carrying balls and uniforms for both the Ramco footy and netball teams, which were being transported back home after the match in Cambrai.
In typical country style, the Ramco community dealt with it stoically, but it was their league rivals who have stepped up to support the club.
SANFL’s Riverland Game Development Coordinator Nick Dillon started up a Go Fund Me page to raise $2000 for the equipment lost and promoted it on his Marks Up Facebook page.
Donations flooded in and by Thursday the campaign had already surpassed its target.
“By the sounds of things insurance hasn’t covered any of this stuff which is disappointing, so hopefully this money can get them the equipment to get them on track next year,” Dillon said.
“It’s not just the footy, it’s the netball as well. A lot of netball gear was in that car too.
“The football and netball equipment all goes down in one ute and all comes back in one ute.
“When this happened it all hit home a little bit. We’re all very close.
“They’re a good bunch of blokes and ladies down there and I thought what an easy way to help them out by putting a post on Facebook.
“I couldn’t believe when the donations started rolling in, other clubs up here have contributed. West Adelaide are donating footies. So it’s great to see them on board and helping out as well.
“They’ll be able to replace everything they’ve lost and they’ve even said if there is anything left over, they’re going to donate it to the MAC (Motor Accident Commission).”
Ramco will use the Riverland Interleague jumper to get through the season, starting with its 171-point win against struggling Cobdogla on Saturday.
Almost two years ago to the day, Donnelly collapsed during the Roosters’ clash with Cobdogla. Having suffered a massive heart attack, he required chest compressions for an hour before being airlifted to Adelaide for treatment.
Only the quick actions of trainers from both clubs saved him from permanent brain and heart damage. Remarkably, he returned to the game at the beginning of last year.
“It’s a really nice story because he’s another really good guy at that footy club,” Dillon said.
“He’s one of those blokes who’s quiet and just goes about his business.”