Exmouth provides setting for memorial showdown

For the past six years, Clontarf Football Academies around the state have met on neutral ground in Exmouth to play off for the Sid Dale Memorial Shield.

02 June 2011

The carnival was introduced in 2006 to pay tribute to the late Sid Dale, a past senior elder of the Baiyungu tribe.

This year, the following teams travelled to Exmouth to take part in the carnival – West Kimberly, Derby, Pilbara, Midwest and Perth Metro, along with the newly formed Carnarvon Clontarf Academy which participated for the first time and were also proud to welcome all the boys into the Gascoyne Region

For four of the  past five years, the Midwest Yamaji Tigers dominated by winning the carnival, which one year saw play interrupted on a number of occasions due to lighting problems.

For the 2011 carnival, which was held on 5 April, the home of Clontarf – Perth Metro – was the dominant team, winning all five matches and resulting in its claiming of the cup for the first time.

According to Keno Phillips, DSR Gascoyne's Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Development Officer, the boys all meeting in one place and being given opportunities to share tradition, culture and, most importantly, to make great friendships, were the greatest outcomes of the event.

“Exposure and pathways to a higher level and future goals is what it’s all about,” said Keno, who also played a part by being match day marshal.

“It is fantastic to see what the Clontarf Academy officials are doing with these young men, not only on the footy field but with their basic lifeskills and education. It is a great sign for the future when one day we may see some of the boys achieve the ultimate goal of playing in the AFL."

Next year promises to be even bigger and better with the introduction of teams from Kalgoorlie.