The Cardiff Hawks are hoping their Sir Doug Nicholls round is as kind to them as it was for AFL Hunter Central Coast counterparts Singleton Roosters at the weekend.
Spurred on by the indigenous theme, the Roosters tasted success at the expense of the Gosford Tigers in both divisions, with the Black Diamond Cup men’s outfit prevailing 8.8-56 to 4.13-37 and Black Diamond Plate women’s squad running out 7.12-54 to 1.1-7 winners.
The Hawks, who’ll mark the occasion at the Pasterfield Sports Complex on Saturday 5 June, meet the Maitland Saints in two grades, as well as The Entrance Bateau Bay in another couple of fixtures.
The Sir Doug Nicholls round celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribution to Australian Football, with year’s theme being Our Legacy – This is Us.
And, Cardiff has a huge program of events planned, according to vice-president Callan Buchan.
“It’s a massive time for the club,” he said.
“The players will wear a commemorative jersey, we’ll host a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country as well.
“After the smoking ceremony, there’ll be a cultural performance, thanks to local outfit Spiritual Water Ways.
“Our Auskickers, painted in traditional colours, will take the field at half-time, too.
“That’s really cool.
“Then during the match, we’ll have art, didgeridoo and dance workshops, and face painting for the kids.”
Buchan said the Hawks boasted a proud history with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, young and old.
“We have many indigenous players in the club,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“And, that number has also grown in recent seasons.
“It’s always good to celebrate their heritage.
“Hopefully, like Singleton, we can chalk up a few wins, too.
“Unfortunately, the men’s teams have been decimated by injuries in 2021.”
Cardiff faces the Saints in the Black Diamond Cup men’s and women’s competitions, as well as The Entrance Bateau Bay in the Black Diamond Plate men’s and women’s formats.
At Bill Elliott Oval, also on Saturday, Wallsend West Newcastle players will don a commemorative strip, while a cultural dance is scheduled before the opening bounce.
The Terrigal Avoca Panthers are expected to join the festivities at Hylton Moore Oval on Saturday 14 August.
The club will conduct a fundraiser, a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.
Umpires across the AFL Hunter Central Coast are participating in the celebrations, too.
They’ll wear a special indigenous-themed kit designed by local official Dave Parsons.
AFL Hunter Central Coast
Round seven results:
2021 Black Diamond Cup Men’s
Warners Bay Bulldogs defeated Killarney Vale Bombers 11.7-73 to 5.7-37
Maitland Saints defeated Nelson Bay Marlins 19.11-125 to 5.3-33
Singleton Roosters defeated Gosford Tigers 8.8-56 to 4.13-37
Terrigal Avoca Panthers defeated Cardiff Hawks 21.20-146 to 2.6-18
Bye: Newcastle City Blues
2021 Black Diamond Cup Women’s
Killarney Vale Bombers defeated Warners Bay Bulldogs 11.10-76 to 1.4-10
Newcastle City Blues defeated Wyong Lakes Magpies 14.6-90 to 1.2-8
Lake Macquarie Dockers defeated Maitland Saints 9.11-65 to 4.2-26
Cardiff Hawks defeated Terrigal Avoca Panthers 12.16-88 to 1.5-11
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