Marong and Mitiamo teams put on their socks in memory of long time supporter Annette Grant, who passed away in June this year. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just six months earlier.

A life member, Mrs Grant was a former secretary of Marong. Her husband was the most recent premiership coach of Mitiamo.

Mrs Grant’s children and grandchildren play football and netball for both clubs.

Read more: Grant savours ultimate reward at Mitiamo

The day was an emotional experience for son Matt Grant, who was overwhelmed by the support the clubs had shown the family. 

The past months have been a tough time for the family, as Mrs Grant’s death took a wife, mother and nanna from them.

“For both teams and committee and everyone to get behind us, it’s unreal,” he said.

“It’s pretty emotional seeing everyone's support and a good turnout, so it’s good.”

Support for the day was so strong from both clubs, that the purple wristbands available at the gate had sold out. 

Tamera Gribben knew barely anything about pancreatic cancer before her Mum, Mrs Grant, was diagnosed.

“There’s no early detection usually, and the survival rate’s terrible,” Mrs Gribben said.

“So we’re just trying to raise awareness and money to raise towards the Avners Foundation, which are doing some good work and trying to raise awareness and early detection for it.”

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths overall.

It has the lowest survival rate of the 27 most common cancers. People diagnosed with the cancer have a just 6.1% chance of surviving beyond 5 years. 

The Avners Foundation aims to improve survival rates of pancreatic cancer. It funds research into the disease.

Over 6,000 people have participated in the Purple Socks for Pancreatic Cancer across Australia since it was begun in 2015.

For president of the Marong Football Netball Club Darren Turnbull the day fit well within the family values of the club.

The Grant family’s longstanding involvement with both clubs meant the Marong-Mitiamo match was the perfect time to remember Mrs Grant.

It’s the first of many matches to raise funds for the Avners Foundation.

Both Marong and Mitiamo plan to put on their purple socks for their match every year, to remembers Mrs Grant.

“We’re a family club and we like to look after our own,” Mr Turnbull said.

“You do things for special people and she was one of those special people.”