Western Bulldogs President Peter Gordon and Collingwood’s Eddie McGuire will hand over their presidential reins to Collingwood fan Anthony Bartel and Doggies supporter Lynette Rowe to mark today’s Round 12 Clash dedicated to promoting inclusion and respect for people with a disability.
Lynnette is a Thalidomide survivor who was born without limbs as a result of the morning sickness drug Thalidomide and Anthony was left a quadriplegic after being seriously injured in an accident.
The Western Bulldogs and Collingwood have joined forces with Slater & Gordon for the match which will see the teams play for the Robert Rose Cup.
Robert Rose, a former Collingwood player and son of Collingwood legend Bob Rose, was injured in a car crash that left him quadriplegic at age 22. The Cup, established in his name in 2000, is awarded each year to the winner of the clash between the two clubs.
The Bob Rose/Charlie Sutton Medal named after club legends Bob Rose and Charlie Sutton will also be awarded to the player in the match who best exemplifies the qualities that Sutton and Rose became renowned for over their careers – toughness, skill, courage, leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Bulldogs President Peter Gordon said that today’s game was about recognising the achievements of, and showing support for people with a disability.
“We want to see people with a disability included equally everywhere in the community and what better way is there to do this than through footy,” Gordon said.
“We are very proud to partner with Collingwood and Slater & Gordon around the game and look forward to building on this match in the years ahead”.
Slater & Gordon managing director Andrew Grech said the firm saw its sponsorship of the match and Robert Rose Cup as a way of promoting the themes of equality and inclusion.
“Australians can be proud of their willingness to pitch in and support people who have difficulty looking after themselves, and it is terrific that Aussie Rules football can play a role in celebrating that spirit,” Mr Grech said.
“We look forward to working with the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood to continue to promote disability support in coming years.”
“AFL football has a knack of bringing people together to support worthy causes and we hope that the Robert Rose Cup will continue to grow in meaning as a celebration of equality and inclusion.”
Other activities on the day
Independence Australia FundraisingA small army of volunteers from Slater & Gordon will hit the concourse of Etihad Stadium on match day raising money for Independence Australia - a not-for-profit organisation supporting people with a disability or other physical needs to regain, retain and extend their independence.
Western Bulldogs Junior Mascot - Venice Kowalczy
Nine-year old Venice Kowalczyk will take to the ground with the Western Bulldogs. Venice is an inspirational young character from Burwood, who lost both her feet and left hand after the hospital missed an early diagnosis of meningococcal disease at nine months of age.
Western Bulldogs’ Cheer Squad Banner
A group from the Western Bulldogs' disability education programs assisted Bulldogs star midfielder, Ryan Griffen and the Club’s cheer-squad in making today’s match day banner that features the message Footy fans support equality & inclusion for people of all abilities.
Coin Toss - Lucas Dumbrell
Tossing the coin for the match is race driver Lucas Dumbrell who is one of the Robert Rose Cup ambassadors. Mr Dumbrell was left a quadriplegic after a racing accident in 2008 and now runs his own racing team Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.
