A CITY of Greater Bendigo councillor has called for what has become one of the region’s football traditions to be scrapped.
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Eppalock ward councillor Helen Leach described Good Friday football as “disgraceful” and intended to raise it as an issue at Wednesday night’s council forum.
The Bendigo Football-Netball League has been playing Good Friday football since 2004 as one of its showcase days, the Heathcote District Football-Netball League has played on the day in recent years, as has the former Bendigo Gold in the VFL.
This year there will be a greater focus on Good Friday football, with the BFNL announcing two months ago it will play all its round one games on the day, while the Bendigo Pioneers will also play a TAC Cup match against country rivals North Ballarat.
"I think football on Good Friday is disgraceful... there are plenty of other days to play football," Cr Leach said on Wednesday.
"It's the holiest of days on the Christian calendar. What if the players and their families wish to observe that day, it puts them at a disadvantage.
"Good Friday is the day that Jesus died and it's very special and I believe it's disappointing that the holiest day on the Christian calendar receives such little recognition and respect.
"I believe there should be more public debate on it... I'm sure I wouldn't be the only person who has this opinion."
The BFNL's Good Friday tradition began in 2004 between Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat and has continued to grow each year.
While the AFL has so far avoided playing games on Good Friday, last year 18 leagues outside metropolitan Melbourne played on the day.
Cr Leach said she intended to raise the topic of Good Friday football at Wednesday night's council forum, but conceded as a councillor there was little she could do.
"I'll raise it at our forum tonight and see what happens, but I don't think council has any control, and perhaps it shouldn't, over a football matter like this."
Comment is being sought from the BFNL in reply to Cr Leach's comments.
This year's BFNL Good Friday games: Maryborough v Castlemaine; Eaglehawk v South Bendigo; Gisborne v Kyneton; Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat; Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye.