Club and players to support the Pat Cronin Foundation round this weekend

Clubs and players from across the state will come together to say no to violence on and off the field and support a foundation started after a footy player died from a coward punch nine years ago. More here.

All players will wear yellow armbands throughout the Round. Picture: Supplied.

Local footy clubs around the state this weekend will take a stand against violence by supporting the Pat Cronin Foundation.

The annual Pat Cronin Foundation round starts on Saturday with more than 400 clubs and 72,000 players set to wear yellow armbands as an anti-violence campaign on and off the field.

The foundation honours the memory of Pat Cronin who was a promising footballer who died at the age of 19 after a coward punch following a night out with mates.

He was quietly celebrating his debut in seniors earlier in the day.

Foundation director Matt Cronin, Pat’s father, said it was incredible how the round had grown over the years.

Matt Cronin addressing Yarra Junior players. Picture: Supplied.

“When my wife Robyn and I launched the foundation we wanted to turn Pat’s story into something meaningful, so that no other family would have to go through what we went endured,” he said.

“We never imagined it would grow like this.”

“As part of the weekend, we’ll be encouraging all clubs to get involved with our evidence based Be Wise presentations which explore the devastating impact of senseless violence and offer practical tools to deal with conflict as well as anger and other emotions,” he said.

This year the Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL), one of the largest junior leagues in the state, has joined and will have 10,000 players involved.

Matt Cronin talks to Yarra Juniors about the foundation. Picture: Supplied.

“We recognise the role we play in shaping not just athletes, but respectful individuals,” YJFL chief executive Dominic Milesi said.

“Education needs to start early, and our league’s involvement helps ensure those messages are being delivered when they matter most.”

The YJFL will be joined in the initiative by the Essendon District Football League, Eastern Football Netball League, Western Football Netball League, Northern Football Netball League, Riddell District Football Netball League and Bendigo Football Netball League.

The Bendigo Football Netball League will have Strathfieldsaye and Golden Square as the match of the round in honour of the foundation.

Cronin hopes one day every league in the state can be involved.

To find out more about the organisation, head here.