Sport

Charity state of origin and sportsman’s night

By Rowan Frazer

Sep 9, 2025

The Macbro Industries Powermatic wool press that will be up for grabs at the Elders State of Origin Charity Auction this Friday.

It will be mate against mate and state versus state at Hardinge St Oval this Friday for the Elders State of Origin NSW versus Vic football match.

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Hosted by the Deniliquin Rams Football & Netball Club, men and women from across Elders NSW and Elders Victoria - representing more than 100 Elders branches - will battle it out in an Aussie Rules match.

At least seven Deniliquin Elders staff will be playing - John Fitzpatrick, Jarrod Gray, Meg Brooks, Rhianna Beacham, Georgia Brydon, David Wilson and Alex O’Brien.

The State of Origin match will be followed by a sportsman's night, with VFL/AFL legends Doug Hawkins and Anthony Stevens to be the guest speakers.

They will have several entertaining stories and memories to share.

Hawkins played 329 games for Footscray and 21 games for Fitzroy, while Stevens was a two-time premiership player for North Melbourne, playing 292 games at the highest level for the Kangaroos.

Tickets are $10 for adults, with under-18s able to attend for free.

It allows entry to watch the game from 5pm, and the sportsman’s night from 7.30pm.

A barbecue dinner and drinks are available at your own cost.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to pick up something from the Elders State of Origin Charity Auction to top the night off.

The charity auction will include a range of valuable items including a Bulldogs footy jumper, Yeti camping chair and a massive Macbro Industries Powermatic wool press.

All proceeds from the auction and the night will go to Deniliquin Can Assist, which supports locals with the costs associated with cancer treatment.

Elders State of Origin Charity football match co-coordinator Sam Joice said she would love for people to come along and support a good cause, and to cheer on the local Elders staff.

“We’re hoping for a big night,” she said.

“We hope people come and show their support for charity in Deniliquin Can Assist, but also the local Elders Deniliquin staff playing.

“It should be a very fun night.”

Gates open at 5pm this Friday, with the match kicking off at 5.30pm.

Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/elders-charity-afl-state-of-origin-nsw-vs-vic-tickets-1511318577549, or the QR code in the ad on page 15 of today’s edition.

Donations can also be made directly to https://www.mycause.com.au/page/375342/elders-charity-afl-state-of-origin-new-south-wales.