Huonville Lions to unveil specially designed Indigenous jumper in blockbuster grand final replay
The Huonville Lions will pay tribute to Indigenous communities in the Huon area when they don a specially designed jumper for the mouth-watering SFL grand final rematch against Cygnet.
AFL
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THE rivalry between Huon neighbours Cygnet and Huonville Lions doesn’t need any additional fuel to stoke the fire.
But throw in the fact Saturday’s round three clash is a grand final replay — and that the Lions will unveil a specially designed Indigenous jumper — and it is shaping as a mouth-watering fixture at Huonville Oval.
The Lions ended a 12-year senior premiership drought last year by overrunning the Port in a classic grand final and have started this season 2-0.
They will look to extend their unbeaten streak to three in front of home fans on a day where they will pay tribute to the Indigenous ties associated with not just the two clubs, but the local community.
“It has been in the works for 12 months, the club was looking to do it last year but then COVID [hit] and attention turned to just getting the season going,” Lions co-skipper Callum Rawson said of the specially designed jumper.
“It was something that wasn’t in the SFL, an Indigenous round, and the club really wanted to push that, there are a few Indigenous ties around the club.
“We are making it a day about learning and what we are there for and to raise some money for local organisations.”
A smoking ceremony and an Acknowledgment to Country will be staged prior to the first bounce.
Cygnet, which recovered from a horror post-quarter-time fade out against Hobart in round one to open its account last weekend, is looking forward to the day.
“There is lots of Indigenous backgrounds at our club and everyone is looking forward to going out there,” star midfielder Lachlan Watt said.
“We didn’t have a jumper organised but we will embrace the day and pay respect to the Indigenous people of the Huon.”
Although still smarting from last year’s grand final defeat, Watt said the Port don’t have any added motivation to turn the tables.
“The boys are still a bit upset from last year but I guess we are going out this year to make amends for it.
“But no one is really seeing it as a grudge match or revenge game as such.”
In other round three matches, Lindisfarne hosts Brighton, Claremont travels to Pembroke Park to meet Sorell while Hobart and New Norfolk clash at the TCA.
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