Clubs go blue for road safety message

Modewarre skipper Jeremy Ollis and Torquay captain Dom Gleeson will be fierce rivals when their sides clash on Saturday, but were united for the road safety message. (supplied)

Football clubs across the AFL Barwon region will band together donning blue armbands for TAC Road Safety Round in honour of every life lost on our roads.

The round – a joint effort by the Victorian Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and AFL Victoria – was first played in 2019 to promote leadership and advocacy for road safety amongst some of our most at-risk road users and serve as a reminder that we all have a reason to drive safely.

Regional roads continue to be overrepresented on the road accident and death toll with 126 people dying last year compared to 85 in metro areas. People driving on regional roads travel longer distances and at higher speeds, meaning when mistakes happen the consequences are often worse.

Anglesea captain Ash Caldwell said his club was right behind the day.

“Road Safety is an important issue for us at Anglesea Football Club,” he said.

“Some of us travel long distances and at high-speeds to get to and from our games and training so we understand we need to take road safety seriously.”

Clubs can extend their support and involvement in the TAC Road Safety Round, with all AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs given the opportunity to take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety to their community as part of the TAC Club Rewards Program.