Players from the Western Storm and WynBay Power Reclink Football Clubs had special guest Western Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris taking the pre-game address before going head to head for the Community Cup.
While the Western Storm took home the honours with a twelve point win at Whitten Oval last week, it was the pre-match rev up that really struck a chord.
As part of the Bulldogs ongoing support of both Reclink teams, Morris led the inspirational pre-game talk before the first bounce, in what was the 4th Community Cup held at the Bulldogs home ground.
The battle of the west is one of the highlights in the Reclink football program for the Storm and Power sides, with the program aiming to encourage and promote physical and emotional health and well-being for those who are struggling or in a vulnerable position due to hardships.
Reclink aims to provide opportunities and support for a broad range of people including those who experience mental illness, addictions, social and economic hardships, homelessness, substance abuse issues and disability.
The Bulldogs support the two sides in the western region through training support, resource support and the use of their facilities as well as working in partnership with a broad range of service agencies (Police, housing, health, Council and education & training providers) throughout the season to support the broader social re-integration of participants.
Priding themselves on their level of commitment, the Bulldogs work is about genuine community capacity building rather than a once off token level of support.
The Reclink competition includes 13 teams from across Victoria.