Nola Marino (Forrest, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Harvey Bulls Football Club has a proud history, winning premierships in league and reserves in the Peel Football League. This proud history was added to yesterday when the club won its first-ever elimination finals game in its seven years since joining the South West Football League. This is a huge achievement given that Harvey has a small population of around 5,500 people. Simply being able to field three sides each week is a win in itself for a small rural and regional football club. As a result of a lack of numbers, often our colts and reserves cop a hiding, but they front up week after week to help out their mates in the club.

I want to congratulate rookie league coach Paul Fimmano and our courageous players, led by co-captains Josh Krispyn and Ryan Mooney. The players fought a true grassroots football battle on Sunday. The lead fluctuated, and it was a grinding fight to the end.

The whole club, from President Joe Rognetta to the committee, members, trainers, our volunteers and the local small business sponsors, deserve this win. They are dedicated, good people who work almost all year round to continue to offer opportunity and social interaction in our small community through AFL football. I know the whole team will get behind the Bulls as they take on their next opponents.

I also thank the Prime Minister for taking time out last night to congratulate club stalwart Michael 'Beaver' Zappia on the club's historic win. Beaver is a life member and past president and was a gutsy player in his time. Congratulations to everyone at the Harvey Bulls Football Club.