Tribute match for old rivals

Traditional rivals North Albany and Railways insist their on-field rivalry will be as intense as ever on Sunday, despite the two clubs clashing for a good cause in the inaugural Warrick Proudlove Tribute Match at Collingwood Park.

The two clubs will briefly put aside hostilities, with the round 13 fixture holding significant importance not only on the field but off it as well, with the proceeds of gate takings from the match to be donated to the Proudies Foundation.

The clash also comes at a crucial time for both clubs looking to maintain their positions on the Great Southern Football League ladder.

North Albany president Russell Hare, who described the relationship between the two clubs as “healthy”, hoped for a big crowd to continue to support the family of his former team mate, who was seriously injured in a car accident 12 months ago.

“It’s something we want to make an annual event,” Hare said.

“Obviously Warrick is still fighting a huge battle in Perth and this is about keeping that awareness up and the profile of the Proudies Foundation."

With the Kangas looking to hold third spot and a prized home final with three rounds to go, an upset win over ladder-leaders Railways is required to hold off a fast-finishing Denmark-Walpole.

“We had a bad loss last weekend and we will be looking for a huge effort from the boys,” Hare said.

“It’s a big game in the context of our season.”

Railways president Michael Ryan said the Tigers were pleased to support the match but it would be business as usual come the first bounce on Sunday.

The Tigers are expected to make up to nine changes with forward Callum Burges and midfielder Josh Woods likely to return. Captain Michael Cramer will miss another match with a shoulder injury.

North Albany hope Nathan Dovey will be fit to take on the Tigers, after the ruckman limped from the ground with a back injury in the Kangas 56-point loss to Royals last Sunday.

tim.edmunds@albanyadvertiser.com