World Footy News

The organisers are still counting, but possibly as much as £10,000 (AU$22,000) was raised as London’s ex-pat community came out in their droves to show their support for the communities devastated by the Victorian Bushfires, for a special Australian Rules Charity match organised by the six Premiership Division clubs of the AFL London.

Over 3,000 people turned up at Clapham Common, in inner London, to see the North of the River side clubs (West London Wildcats, London Swans and North London Lions) play the South of the River clubs (Wandsworth Demons, Putney Magpies and Wimbledon Hawks). Many of those who played in, and watched, come from some of the hardest hit areas.

Volunteers collected donations for the Red Cross Bushfires appeal and proceeds from the sales of food and drink were also donated in the specially organised event. “The ex-pat community here in London really saw this as an opportunity to stand together and show those in Victoria and Australia that despite the distance, we don’t forget and feel just the pain just like those at home. Sport, as Australians know, brings people together in a very special way” said Peter Romanis, President of the West London Wildcats.

The match itself was played in good spirits, with glorious sunshine and London’s warmest day of the year, making conditions perfect for football.

There are numerous other fundraising activities taking place over the coming weeks across London at the Australian themed Walkabout pubs. The Shepherds Bush Walkabout donated ₤1,000 to the charity match.

For the record, the South of the River defeated the North of the River by 19 points.