Melville Rams captain Shaun Stedman and Bull Creek Leeming counterpart Fraser MacDougall are looking forward to the inaugural Beyond Blue fundraising round between the two sides on June 3.
Camera IconMelville Rams captain Shaun Stedman and Bull Creek Leeming counterpart Fraser MacDougall are looking forward to the inaugural Beyond Blue fundraising round between the two sides on June 3. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Football: Bullcreek Leeming Amateur Football Club to remember fallen trio with Beyond Blue fundraiser

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

IN the span of 18 dark months, Bullcreek Leeming Amateur Football Club was rocked by the tragic deaths of a trio of talented young players.

In late 2010, Mitch Gillam was killed in a Bali scooter crash.

Less than a year later in September 2011 Kyle Thomas died following an on-field collision in the last two minutes of his side’s grand final.

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Then in early 2012, Matthew Jancey collapsed at his family home and spent two days on life support before becoming the third promising Bomber ripped from the community well before his time.

Club president Michael Petkovich said the deaths had taken a toll on the club, which is now planning to support the work of mental health charity Beyond Blue through a match day fundraiser on June 3.

“We’ve lost a few boys in the last few years through bad accidents and so depression has obviously been an issue throughout the club,” Mr Petkovich said.

“During an executive committee discussion in the preseason we decided to make an effort to put something back to the community.”

Bullcreek Leeming hosts cross-town rivals Melville at Beasley Oval in round 8 and will wear specially made blue guernseys in its colts, reserves and league fixtures.

Following the games, the club is hosting a Night at the Races themed evening, which will include a raffle and auction.

Anyone is welcome to attend and all proceeds raised will be donated to Beyond Blue.

“This is the first time we’ve ever tackled anything like this so we’ve set ourselves a target of $5000,” Mr Petkovich said.

“We’re hoping to make the Beyond Blue benefit game an annual event.”

Anybody that would like to donate a raffle prize or item for auction can contact Michael on 0419 913 302.

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