Tuesday, 20 September 2022

 Mr CARROLL (Niddrie—Minister for Public Transport, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Minister for Business Precincts) (12:40): It is a great honour to stand in the chamber and congratulate the Airport West Football Club and all footy clubs that have been part of the Essendon District Football League this season and have participated over two wonderful grand final weekends at Windy Hill. I am wearing my Airport West Football Club tie today as the number one ticketholder and someone who played junior footy there. It was on Father’s Day of all days that with my family I got to watch Airport West win not one but two premiership cups at Windy Hill. It was a great, great day. I want to congratulate president Pauline McShanag, Reuben William for being best on ground, Trent Rogers and all the team.

I also want to talk about other clubs that participated. Keilor Park also took home two flags. They have been a wonderful rags-to-riches story. To senior coach Paul Guicas, president Shannon Rogers and all the supporters at Keilor Park, you should equally be proud. The Essendon District Football League is made up of some wonderful clubs. Strathmore defeated Aberfeldie in time-on, and Adam Iacobucci claimed the Reg Rose Medal. Congratulations to Strathmore on that important win. The Keilor Football Club, a proud club in the north-west, also stood tall, claiming the premier division reserves premiership. It is wonderful. I congratulate the women, the men, the juniors, the seniors, the umpires and the volunteers that make up the Essendon District Football League, and here’s to season 2023.