Northern Storm and Coffs City United have a strong history but their Anzac Cup clash on Sunday looms as arguably the most poignant.
The importance of the fixture is not lost on Storm coach Craig Caruana who knows there is more than just three points on offer at Korora.
“For me personally, Anzac Day isn’t a day just to go and play two-up and go and get on the turps,” he said.
“If you’re going to do that, you go there to buy a digger a beer and to say thank you because they (the diggers) created a great country for us and to me it’s the most important day in our history and on our calendar.
“We have to honour the memory of the people that didn’t come back and never had the chance to play football.”
Caruana admitted a Coastal Premier League Men’s premiership remained the ultimate goal for any coach and club, but over time winning the Anzac Cup could morph into having a similar significance.
“Winning the Coastal Premier League premiership would be the ultimate; I don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” he said.
“Any time you can get a result out of Coffs is a great achievement; to do it on Anzac Day would mean a hell of a lot more.
“I’ve got a good relationship with ‘Willow’ (Coffs City coach Glenn Williams) and I’m sure they’re going to come out all guns blazing and I wouldn’t expect anything less on Anzac Day from someone like Willow.
“I know Anzac Day is pretty close to his heart so I’m sure his team will do his club, the competition and the diggers proud.”
“The two clubs have a bit of history together going back 10-12 years ago where they were involved in some grand finals together and had some good battles so we thought let’s make it an annual match,”
Caruana said.
“It’s more about showing a bit of respect on the day and honouring those people that have provided us with the freedom to play football on a day like Anzac Day.
“We couldn’t think of anything more fitting than to do that so we got involved with the local RSL branch, they’re coming down and will have some representatives there.”
Between reserve grade and first grade a commemorative service will take place where The Last Post will be played along with the national anthem.
Kick-off is at 2.30pm
Coastal Football Leagues 