Campbell Ion honoured by Dalyston and Koo Wee Rup

WHILE there was a skirmish late in the match, the Under 18s sides of Dalyston and Koo Wee Rup were united in celebrating the memory of former Magpie Campbell Ion, playing for the trophy named in his honour.

Campbell lost his life in a car accident while on his way to play for Dalyston against Koo Wee Rup, just short of his 16th birthday.

He had family connected to both clubs and the sides are united in their desire to prevent such a tragedy occurring again.

Dalyston president Andy Thomas and his Koo Wee Rup counterpart Jake Neill stood side by side for the presentation of the Campbell Ion trophy to the victorious Demons’ skipper Dante Di Pietro.

Thomas spoke of the importance of introducing the trophy in Campbell’s honour.

“It’s a great initiative between the two clubs and even though it was four years ago, we still remember the support that we got from Koo Wee Rup and it’s a great thing to celebrate Campbell’s life,” Thomas said.

The Magpies president recalls Campbell as a “fantastic bloke”.

Thomas explained the choice of the Thirds for the new trophy.

“We did it for the Under 18s because we want to promote road safety and both clubs have kids coming through who are all getting their licences and we don’t want to have to do this again,” he said, adding his club went through the same thing a number of years ago.

“We’ve had enough of it, and we want kids to grow and flourish.”

The Demons won the match comfortably, but Dalyston fought it out to the end, with their coach acknowledging their commitment during his three quarter time address.