HE isn’t playing this weekend due to a broken foot, but Ryan McLean plans to have a big Saturday down at Graham Reserve when St Augustine’s tackle Brookvale in what is always a keenly contested MWFA Premier League derby.
The match will take on extra significance for both squads, with the annual Helen Anglicas Memorial Cup up for grabs.
“It is a very important day for the club,” McLean, the Saints club captain, said.
“Helen (Anglicas) was the nicest person you will ever met, she was always smiling whenever she worked in the canteen on game day.
“She may have passed away, but she is definitely not forgotten.”
Helen’s husband David Anglicas needs no introduction to anyone involved with St Augustine’s football.
He will be pitch side Saturday, and McLean knows the popular club identity would love three points against the table topping Blues.
McLean, who works for Pricewaterhouse Coopers, added he has been ‘blown away’ by the generosity of a number of local businesses heading into Saturday’s round 14 fixture.
“We have deliberately made a big day of it…we are hosting Ladies Day and also running a few raffles to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in Helen’s memory,” he said.
“Restaurants like Stella Blu, Hugo’s, Garfish and Pilu have all come on board, as have Bunnings with a garden package.
“The guys at Sky Personal Training in Brookvale have also been very generous, I can’t thank everyone who has got behind the day enough.”
Saints coach Anthony Vescio can smell an upset come kick-off at 3pm.
“We have a young squad, they are developing well,” he said.
“Everyone has worked hard all year, a big result would cap off a great day for a fantastic cause.”
