As East Coast Swans prepare for their away clash against Bridport this weekend, their annual Pyengana gala day looms as a day not to be missed the following.
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Playing a match out of the small East-Coast village every year, the day honours a country side full of history that has folded due to to lack of numbers and opportunities for the youth of the rural communities.
This year the Swans will be honouring the side of Mathinna, wearing the famous maroon and gold guernsey, as they host Evandale in what will be a replay of last years' grand final on June 1.
Originating in the Fingal District Football Association, the maroon and gold Mathinna claimed two premierships throughout their time and Pyengana resident Michael LeFevre met with some of the former players in organisation of the day.
"The response has been terrific, they have all said they would love to come and see their colours go around again," LeFevre said.
The Swans have only lost the one game this season, a 55-point demise to Lilydale as Evandale sit at an even ledger of three wins and losses heading into their game against Uni Mowbray this weekend.
East Coast president Stephen Walley said the day is important in recognising the heritage of Mathinna.
"What we like about the day is it draws people from far and wide across the North-East and East Coast," he said.
"It also obviously acknowledges the heritage of football and the defunct Fingal District Football Assocation the way it used to be," he said.
Club coach Ned Hyland echoed Walley's comments.
"It's a very important round for us," he said.
"On a personal level I'm a local born-and-bred and one-club player so it's great to give back to the local community and for the modern players to step back and view those before them and how the community still loves their footy."
The day gets underway with an Auskick session for the local children at 10:30 and will continue to reserves and seniors before a pork spit roast after the game and the yearly jumper action which always draws plenty of interest.
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