Ready to go: Jye Warren will lead the Warma Turtles alongside Josh Wanganeen at the VACSAL state carnival this weekend. Photo: Tyler Austin
The Warma Turtles football team is back in action.
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For the first time in three years, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd statewide football/netball carnival is set to take place, and the Turtles are bound for Keysborough to compete from October 8-9.
Moama’s Jye Warren and Rumbalara’s Josh Wanganeen have been tapped to co-coach the Turtles in the 31st edition of the carnival, and Wanganeen said it was exciting to be back.
“It has been tough, we’ve missed out on it, and we’ve certainly been craving it,” Wanganeen said.
“The carnival is always unique and special in itself because one, it gives us an opportunity to catch up with First Nations people, and it gives us an opportunity to connect and celebrate.
“We had a pretty good side together and we’ve been unable to do it so we’re itching to get back into that space.
“Us children grew up in to Warma sports. There have been years where we haven’t played, but I’ve played for Warma since I was 14.
“I’m 37 and coaching now, so it’s been more than 20 years I’ve been around.”
Warma are aiming for their first title since 2011 and will finally have the chance to celebrate two key anniversaries this weekend after a two-year layoff.
Chasing history: The Warma Turtles carnival winners of 2011. Photo: Supplied
“It’s exciting for the footballers because it’s going to be the 10-year anniversary of winning (the carnival) in Mildura,” Wanganeen said.
“It’s also been just over 30 years since our parents played in the successful 1991 side. We’re looking to carry on the legacy of our ancestors and Elders, and if we can get a win for them, it will make it even more special.”
Training out at Rumbalara, the side calls on Indigenous players from around the region to represent, with many making the leap from winter season competitors to teammates.
The team has a strong connection to the Echuca-Moama region, and has previously featured the likes of ex-AFL players Andrew Walker and Djaran Whyman.
But the upcoming carnival will have extra significance for Warma as they recognise the recent passing of key contributors over the team’s history, including Wanganeen’s mother, Lee, and past legends Lenny Kerr and Trevor Walsh.
Looking back: Warma’s triumphant 1991 carnival team. Photo: Supplied
Warma will wear armbands this weekend in recognition of them and all those who have contributed to the Turtles.
“Mum was involved with Warma sport for the best part of 30 years,” Wanganeen said. “She was basically the queen of Warma sports social club.
“She was a team manager, coach, player, and my father Gilbert is a past player.
“Trevor was one of our team managers for many years. Lenny Kerr played in that 1991 team alongside Trevor. Lenny actually won the best overall (player) at that carnival back in ‘91.
“(The carnival) will be about honouring their legacy, as well as many of our Aboriginal leaders from the community.
“It will be therapeutic in its way (to play); Mum loved sports, and her children love sports.”
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