Clubs honour a young champion

Willowburn and Rockville pay tribute to great young player Jake Simpson

SPECIAL GAME: Rockville's David Oyori (left) and Willowburn's Mitchell Tanskey tussle for possession during last year's inaugural Jake Simpson Memorial Match. Picture: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: Jake Simpson had the heart and mind of a champion.

He was a player loved by his teammates and well respected by his opponents.

During his time at Willowburn he won four Players' Player awards.

He passing two years ago after a battle with cancer broke the hearts of his family and the greater Toowoomba football community.

Tomorrow, Willowburn and Rockville will play in the second Jake Simpson Memorial Match - an honour close to the hearts of both clubs.

Simpson played his junior football for Rockville before moving to Willowburn.

"He was a people person, very modest and everybody loved him,” Willowburn player Nathan Daly said.

"Jake played for his mates, the badge and the club.

"He was a leader and we had him marked as a future captain of the club.”

Willowburn won the inaugural Jake Simpson Memorial Match game last year and will face a determined Rockville outfit.

Adding to the emotion of the occasion will be presence of two key players in the Rockville side - Jake's brothers Connor and Brodie. Jake's parents also have close ties to both clubs.

"Playing for this trophy is real honour,” Daly said.

"The fact Jake's brothers Connor and Brodie are part of the Rockville team makes it even more special.

"Being able to honour Jake means a lot to everybody.”

Daly attributed to constant presence of players like Simpson at the Magpies to the club's culture.

"We work to embrace everybody and act as role models to our junior players,” Daly said.

"We're a family and when players buy into the culture it only strengthens those ties.”

GAME DAY: The match will be played at Commonwealth Oval, kick-off is 5pm Sunday April 29.

Originally published as Clubs honour a young champion