WALLAROO Oval will be buzzing this Saturday as the Dogs face off against Kadina in round 17 of the Yorke Peninsula Football League season.

Adding to the occasion is the club’s annual sponsors and life members day — a celebration of the people and partners who keep the club ticking.

It is the Bulldogs’ way of saying thanks to the loyal supporters, sponsors and tireless volunteers who give their time and energy behind the scenes.

Wallaroo Football Club president Tom Nolan says sponsors are a vital part of every club.

“Without sponsors, clubs can’t operate well, especially ones that don’t have big financial backing,” he said.

“It is great for the recognition for both the club and the sponsor, and it encourages community support, which is always amazing.

“It is a great way for us to show appreciation for our sponsors and give back to them in a small way.”

The day’s fixtures will be like any other Saturday, with Under 9s and 11s playing at 9am, junior colts 10am, senior colts 11.20am, B grade 12.55pm and A grade 2.40pm.

Sponsors will be welcomed from 2.30pm, with a reserved area to watch the B and A grade matches while enjoying food and drinks.

“Nathan Wright will cook all the food, there will be plenty of food and drinks available for the sponsors and life members throughout the matches,” Nolan said.

“After the final siren, we’ll roll into a presentation night, including the induction of two new life members — so it’s shaping up to be a fantastic evening.”

Sponsors and life members day is held each year when Wallaroo hosts Kadina. 

The long-standing rivalry between the two sides makes for a great contest and an entertaining day for guests.

“After the matches, the players and sponsors sit around and chat at the club, and it makes for a great evening,” Nolan said.

For more information, visit the Wallaroo Football Club Facebook page, email the club at wallaroofc@sanflcfl.com.au or call president Tom Nolan on 0418 814 692 or secretary Thomas Depledge on 0422 354 912.

Bulldogs celebrate new life members West and Niotis

WALLAROO Football Club will honour two stalwarts with life membership at this weekend’s sponsors and life members day.

Andy West and Jason Niotis, long-serving committee members, will receive the club’s highest honour in recognition of their decades of service.

Andy West

WEST, 68, joined the club in 1985 and has since held almost every committee role, barring treasurer, across 40 years.

He never played football for Wallaroo, but his impact on the club has been enormous.

“The club becomes a huge part of your life, you are here every night and at all the games and trainings,” West said.

“For me, it is an honour to be represented among these other names that are life members, there are some very important names on that list.

“We have had plenty of good times at the club, the ‘90s were a highlight when we won a lot.”

West was president of the Wallaroo Football Club throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a tough time for football clubs.

“It was tough in that time, but the people around you are amazing at this club and we all do it together.

“We here are a community club, we aren’t just a football club.

“We embrace the social side we have here and it is great to be part of.”

“It feels amazing to be honoured with this, especially with the calibre of names already awarded life membership, it’s great to be amongst them.”

Jason Niotis

NIOTIS was involved in the 1987 and 1988 senior colts premierships as a player, before spending time away from the club. 

He returned in 2011 when his children became involved in the club, where he has created a long-lasting legacy.

He has also held multiple committee positions and has had a huge influence on junior football in Wallaroo. 

“I have been president and vice-president on the junior committee, and have spent lots of time here over the past decade or so.

“I have lots of strong and good memories here, one being involved with the 2019-22 senior colts side that went from bottom to top, that was great to be part of and watch.”

Niotis has been instrumental in the club’s junior football program, helping to get it to where it is today.

“In 2016 and 2017 we had no senior colts, so to be able to win it (a premiership) five years later was amazing -- but not having senior colts for those two years did knock out two years of talent coming through our ranks,” he said

“In a community club like Wallaroo, the people are what make it and to be on a list with some of these names, it’s a real pinch yourself moment.”

“We both thank the Wallaroo Football Club for inducting us and awarding us with life membership, and thank all the people who have made this possible.”