Hampton Rovers and Ormond will lock horns in another Grand Final on Saturday – the latest chapter in a rivalry that has developed over many decades.
The two clubs will meet for the third time in four weeks and for the fourth time this season when they clash at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday. Incredibly, it’ll be Hampton & Ormond in the Reserves as well – illustrating the dominance of both clubs in D1 this year. Great to see both clubs returning to the Premier sections of the VAFA in 2019. A match preview will be available on the Rovers website on Friday.
Hampton and Ormond are two of the oldest and proudest district clubs in the Victorian Amateur Football Association – a league now dominated by old school sides. The Rovers’ history dates back to 1918, while the club was established in 1929, and joined the VAFA in 1933. The club will celebrate its 90th year in 2019. Ormond AFC was established in 1931 and was a powerhouse of the VAFA during the 70’s and 80’s.
The two clubs have met countless times in their long and proud history. It was against Ormond that Hampton Rovers won their one and only A Section flag – in 1951, by five points.
In more recent times, the Rovers and Ormond have participated in the same VAFA section on seven occasions. They met for the first time in a very long time in 2002, in B Grade, and for the first time in 50 years, the Rovers defeated Ormond on their home deck – they went on to be relegated.
In all, since 2002, the two clubs have met on 18 occasions. The record stands at 10 wins for the Rovers, seven for Ormond, and one draw.
During this period, they’ve met in two Grand Finals with Ormond winning it in 2008 and the Rovers claiming the last one in 2013 – both games also played at the same venue as this Saturday’s season finale – Trevor Barker Oval.
The connection extends beyond on the field. Russell Barnes played and coached at Ormond and is a premiership coach at the Rovers, while Matty Robbins has played at both clubs, coached the Rovers and is now an assistant coach at Ormond.
Home Game Luncheons are always well supported by both club’s and it was recently at EE Gunn Reserve that over 30 Rovers supporters attended Ormond’s final home game lunch of the season, as the club’s got together to raise funds for the family of the late Brendan Robbins. The Rovers also hosted a fundraiser for the late Jane Barnes in recent years and also hosted the first ever VAFA Women’s match, under lights at Boss James Reserve, also against Ormond.
There is much respect between the two clubs and huge anticipation ahead of Saturday’s season decider. It promises to be a huge day and we encourage the entire Rovers community to get along in big numbers and in green & gold to cheer on the club in both games. Can the Rovers bounce back from their semi-final loss to Ormond and win their third Grand Final against the arch-rivals? Be at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday to find out! Reserves start at 12 midday with the main game kicking-off at 2:30pm.
We invite all parents & supporters to the Grand Final Selection Night – from 6pm Thursday evening at Boss James Reserve. See the boys in their final training session, bar open, dinner from 7pm, Richmond v Hawthorn live on the TV’s and hear the two teams for Saturday’s Grand Final!
#GOROVERS
