Two states. Two towns. Two clubs.
One trophy.
That is how the Three Jacks Trophy has been marketed ahead of the epic Good Friday clash between Echuca United and Moama at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
Celebrating the history of three legends of district sport, the Three Jacks Trophy is about more than a cross-border rivalry, according to Moama Football Netball Club president Matt Lake.
“I think it starts with the three Jacks themselves, Jack Eddy at Moama, Jack O’Neill who was Echuca East and Jack Hay, who was Echuca South,” he said.
“It’s all about them and because of what they did for generations for their footy clubs, and also the wider community in general.
“It’s just great that the two clubs can fight it out twice a year in honour of those three fantastic gentlemen, and it’s fantastic that Moama can be a part of it.”
Echuca United Football Netball Club president Anthony Chapman shares the sentiment that the Three Jacks Trophy transcends footballing rivalry, representing the history of football in the twin towns.
“I think it’s one of those key days in the year where it’s not just a cross-town rivalry,” he said.
“It highlights the history of the local football in the area, and it just sort of celebrates that community football.”
And while the essence of the day is about commemorating the contributions of three community football stalwarts, there is no doubting just how much each club wants to be holding that trophy at the end of the day.
“It’s still very fierce, there’s no doubt about that,” Lake said of the rivalry the two clubs enjoy.
“Obviously Echuca East and Echuca South, they used to go hard at it, but now they’re one and having a crack at Moama.
“It’s been like that for a good 25 years now, the Echuca United and Moama rivalry, so it’s fantastic, and good for footy.
“Without rivalry we wouldn’t have football would we.”
Moama is the current custodian of the cup, having enjoyed success the last time the two clubs met.
Another good battle is assured when the clubs take to the courts and the field this round, but Chapman is hopeful that it will be the Eagles holding the trophy come 6pm on Friday.
“Especially at home, it would be fantastic to turn the tide,” he said.
“Obviously (Moama) are going to be very tough opposition, you know, but we’re up for the fight, and we’re certainly going to be trying our best to turn it around.
“If we could get up and get the trophy back, well, that’s always something special.”
Outside of finals, the Three Jacks Trophy is one of the most anticipated rounds of the season for the clubs and fans alike, with a good crowd expected to attend yet again.
“Weather permitting, hopefully the boys get a good crowd, there’s always between 2500 and 4000 people,” Lake said.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s at Echuca United or over at Moama, there’s always a massive crowd.
“It’s always a good game of footy and netball at all age groups, and we fight for the Three Jacks Trophy, which is not just based on senior footy and netball, it’s about all grades and it’s a combination of the results of the whole day, which is fantastic.”
The full-day affair kicks off early in the morning, with spectators treated to an action-packed agenda as the junior teams get proceedings under way.
“It starts early with the under-11s and the under-14s in the netball and football, and it will go all throughout the day,” Chapman said.
“There’s going to be some great games, we’ve got some really good juniors, Moama are strong in the senior footy and netball, and we are hoping to match them this year, we’ll be looking for a better showing.
“It’s just a great day where everyone can get together really, given it’s Good Friday, it’s a holiday, and hopefully some people who are around the town that just want to watch a game of sport and have a good day out, they can come along as well.”