THE annual Diggers Day has been gradually building since its inception in 2012, and this year’s edition is set to be the biggest yet.
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Shoalhaven Diggers Day chairman Rick Meehan said the event has been more than three years in the making, kicks-off at Rugby Park at 10.30am Saturday.
Starting the festivities will be the second grade clash between local rivals Shoalhaven Rugby Club and Kiama, which will be followed by the day’s special guests, including numerous Victoria Cross recipients, being flown into the ground by navy helicopter just after noon.
Once landed, the helicopters will be parked on the top grounds for patrons to check out during the day.
After the special guests have arrived, there will be a last post ceremony, followed by the first grade clash between Shoals and Kiama, which will of course be kicked-off by Luke Meehan.
Both teams will be sporting specially designed commemorative jerseys.
One man who can’t wait until Saturday is Shoals first grade captain Steve Brandon, who will be playing in his third Digger Day.
“It means a lot to be apart of Digger Day and to lead the boys into battle, so to speak, on such a special day, is a huge honour,” Brandon said.
“It is great day and even though I didn't play the last few years, I always tried to make it out here to at least watch and be apart of the event.
“This is a event that honours our servicemen and women past, present and in the future.
“For the club, it is a massive event because a big percentage of our players are serving or have served in the past, so it means a lot to the club.
"It holds a special place in everyone at the club’s heart.”
In terms of the actual game itself, it is a must win for Brandon’s Shoals, if they want to keep their finals dream alive.
“It's up to us to start playing our best football soon because I think we will behind everyone else who has already fine tuned their games,” he said.
The day at Rugby Park will be concluded by third grade’s clash with Kiama before the festivities continue at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre with the Diggers Day Ball.