Specially-designed football to feature at SANFL Multicultural Match

By ZAC MILBANK

A specially-designed football will feature at SANFL’s Multicultural Match to be played between Central District and Port Adelaide at X Convenience Oval on Saturday.

Garden College student Dalia Hmoud’s artwork will be proudly displayed on the match balls to be used in the season-defining clash to celebrate the contribution of past and present multicultural players in South Australia’s premier State League competition.

Inspired by the mix cultures of amongst her classmates, Dalia designed one side of the ball so it includes all of the national flags which represent each of her fellow students.

The words “ We’re stronger together”  are emblazoned on the other side of the ball, accompanied by a fist pump which signifies unity.

Before the bounce, Dalia will have the opportunity to present the ball to the field umpires while joining them for the walk into the middle of the ground for the pre-game coin toss.

African Soul will provide plenty of atmosphere with their energetic drummers to entertain the crowd before the game and at half-time whilst also forming a guard-of-honour for the players as they run out to play.

Budding multicultural players will have the opportunity to try Australian Football by having a go at marking, goal kicking and handballing before joining the guard-of-honour.

Fans will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the multicultural festivities by sampling authentic Italian, Indian and African cuisine.

On the field, the Round 18 clash promises to be a beauty as the Bulldogs need to secure a victory to play in September while the Magpies will also be desperate for a win considering they will need Sturt to defeat North Adelaide at Prospect should they succumb to the Dogs.