The Coleambally Football Netball Club’s 60th year reunion event is this weekend, with the Carlton Draft draftee Brett Deledio set to play for the Blues senior football side this Saturday.

Ahead of this week’s event, Coleambally Football Netball Club president Justin Buchanan said that the numbers of attendees is still up in the air, but the excitement around the local football club is palpable.

“I honestly don’t know (how many people will attend). There’ll be a fair few that turn up on the day and don’t prebook, but hopefully, they all come out and support the event.

“We’re all very excited.”

Prebooking is not necessary, but strongly encouraged as it helps the club with catering numbers.

It also keeps things moving quickly at the door, so everyone can get inside and enjoy the night sooner.

Buchanan said club members had been busy with the preparation and organisation that goes into the event.

Only the main entrance will be open on the day, with all patrons required to pay at the gate, including junior parents.

Buchanan said those parents leaving before the senior game can receive a refund at the main gate on their way out.

Parking is also available at the Coly Club.

“We’ve got some fire buckets ready, and we’re just checking off a few last things,” Buchanan said.

“The day is going to go quickly on Saturday, so hopefully we should get through to what will be a great event.”

One of the showpiece features of the weekend will be when former AFL player Brett Deledio plays in the senior football for the Blues, which starts at 1.50pm.

The two-time All Australian had played 275 games from 2005 to 2019 in the AFL, primarily at the Richmond Tigers but also at the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

The 38 year-old was selected with the second pick by Coleambally Football Netball Club who were one of the clubs selected for ‘The Carlton Draft’ in 2025, an initiative by beer brand Carlton Draught that gives community footy clubs the chance to draft an ex-AFL legend.

Buchanan said the club is keen to see Deledio in action.

“He’s a nice fella, and we just hope he’s fit and firing ahead of this weekend.

“We want to make his day an enjoyable one, and his visit here a good experience.

“I’m sure there’ll be a few Richmond and Giants supporters that will want to come down and watch him play, and chew his ear off about his involvement with the AFL.”

There will be plenty of food and refreshments, with the Coleambally canteen fully stocked with all your favourites, as well as roast meat gravy rolls.

Two bars will also be open on the day, one in the clubrooms and the Carlton Draught bar will be set up next to the marquee at the southern end of the ground as part of ‘The Carlton Draft’.

No BYO alcohol is allowed.

A merch table will be open from 9am in the clubrooms and will run all day.

There will also be a merch table inside the Coly Club during the reunion event.

Coleambally will go up against The Rock Yerong Creek Magpies in round 10 of the Farrer League.

TRYC are seventh, while the Blues are in fourth on the Farrer League ladder.

With only two wins separating the two teams’ records so far this season, Buchanan said it should be a competitive spectacle.

“It should be evenly matched. They said they’ve got a few injuries, but so do we.

“I’ve also heard they might bring in some players, but you just never know.”

“There are many positives with him coming, but one negative is someone might have to be omitted this week, but it shouldn’t be a problem.

“We have asked if we can have an extra sub this weekend.”

Off the field, there will be plenty of Coleambally history to celebrate at the 60th year reunion event on Saturday night.

“We started out of a paddock, which shows there has been plenty of work that has gone into the club, and we’ve grown our way from there.

“We also have 50 heritage jumpers to be auctioned.

“Hopefully people have a few drinks on the night and get inspired to maybe get their old numbers.”

The post-match formal reunion event will begin at 6pm, with doors opening at 5.30pm.

The reunion event is primarily an adults-focused evening, but children are welcome if necessary. Under-12s will not need to pay to enter.

The dress code for the reunion event at the Coly Club is smart casual.

There will be roaming canapés served all night as well as plenty of atmosphere on the night, with the club also getting the band Cherry Bomb to perform in the main bar from 9.30pm.

“It’ll be great,” Buchanan said.

“It’s great for the town, great for the club and for the boys as well.”

It’s hoped up to 1000 people will attend the reunion weekend, with 16 games of football and netball running throughout the day starting from 8.30am.

At half-time of the seniors' football, the club will have the Auskick play and Old Boys Longest Kick take place.

There will be heritage Demons guernseys and memorabilia displays at the club and commemorative merchandise for sale, including a retro Coly Corduroy Cap, and a 120-page reunion book of articles, honour boards, history and photos.

Tickets for the evening event are $30. Prebook at https://www.trybooking.com/DBPJV.

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Thursday, 29th May 2025

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