Warrack Eagles' Senior Coach Kyle George and Captain Ben Hanna. Credit: Warrack Eagles Football Netball Club
The Wimmera takes centre stage this weekend as the Warrack Eagles host Southern Mallee Thunder in the second WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country Club Series match of 2026.
Delivered in partnership with WorkSafe Victoria, the Country Club Series is focused on supporting regional communities - particularly in agricultural areas where the risk of workplace injury is higher - by building local connections and sharing practical safety messages.
This weekend’s game centres around the Wimmera Football Netball League’s Round Seven clash between the Warrack Eagles and ladder leaders Southern Mallee Thunder at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park.
Formed through the merger of the Warracknabeal Lions and Brim Eagles in 2001, the Warrack Eagles are a proud representation of the region’s grain-growing heartland, with the club continuing to play a central role in bringing the local community together.
As a host club, Warrack Eagles will receive more than $15,000 in value through the program, including funding, promotional support and new equipment such as footballs, netballs and goal post padding to strengthen club operations.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said the Series highlights the importance of country football clubs beyond the game itself.
“Clubs like Warrack Eagles are at the heart of their communities, providing a place for people to connect, particularly in regional areas,” Madigan said.
“The WorkSafe Country Club Series is about recognising that role while also supporting clubs with the resources they need to remain strong and sustainable.”
WorkSafe Ambassador and AFL Premiership player, Tom Boyd, said the initiative plays an important role in connecting with regional Victorians.
“Footy clubs are often the meeting point for communities like Warracknabeal and Brim,” Boyd said.
“This Series is about getting out to those communities, supporting local clubs and reinforcing important safety messages in a way that resonates.”
Saturday’s clash at Anzac Park is set to be a tight contest, with both teams coming off a Round Six win of six points or less this past weekend. The Eagles sit sixth on the ladder, whilst the first place Thunder have only lost one match for the season.
The 2026 Series also marks 25 years of partnership between WorkSafe Victoria and AFL Victoria, recognising the vital role country football clubs play as hubs for connection, wellbeing and community leadership.
Match centre available on PlayHQ, please click here.
For more information on the WorkSafe Country Club Series, please visit play.afl/victoria/community-programs/worksafe-afl-victoria-country.
Warrack Eagles v Southern Mallee Thunder (Senior Men)
Date: Saturday 30 May
Time: 2:20pm
Location: Anzac Park, Warracknabeal