Old Rivals Play For Jimmy Melbourne Cup

Claremont will host reigning premiers South Fremantle on Saturday in a critical home and away match which will also see the winning team take home the Jimmy Melbourne Cup.

The fixture has added importance as part of NAIDOC Round on a day that has special significance on the Sullivan Logistics WAFL calendar.

Jimmy Melbourne was a pioneering Noongar man from York who is widely believed to be the first Aboriginal player to compete in senior football in a major Australian football competition.

Melbourne made his debut for West Perth against East Fremantle on June 2, 1900, before playing in West Perth’s 1901 premiership side.

Nicknamed “Greased Lightning”, Melbourne’s career included time with West Perth, South Fremantle and Subiaco.

The Jimmy Melbourne Cup was established in 2007 as part of the WAFL’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Claremont and South Fremantle have a proud history of producing outstanding Indigenous talent over many decades and this match acknowledges Melbourne’s contribution to the game.

The Jimmy Melbourne Cup has become an important annual event, combining football, culture and community.

The match provides an opportunity to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present and recognise the continuing contribution of Aboriginal players, families and communities to the WAFL.

The showdown also signals a milestone match for champion Claremont ruckman Oliver Eastland who will make his 150th appearance for the Tigers.

The match between the second placed Tigers and the third placed Bulldogs will be shown live on Channel 7 at 2pm on Saturday from Revo Fitness Stadium.