The local derby between Wodonga and Wodonga Raiders has become a regular fixture during this round and is one both look forward to.

“There’s been a few issues in the region recently, which shows how meaningful this cause is,” Raiders’ Jack Di Mizio said. 

“With the two Wodonga sides coming together, it brings the community together and we can put the foot down and say no to that kind of thing.”

Wodonga midfielder Jarrod Hodgkin echoed Di Mizio’s comments and admits it always a big game on the calendar.

“We’re lucky enough to play them on Anzac Day and to have another big round against them just adds to the rivalry,” Hodgkin added.

Victoria Police Family Violence Adviser Sergeant Shane Martin believes the awareness around the issue has grown each year.

“You pick up the paper on Monday morning and you see the players wearing white arm bands and the umpires wearing white ribbons and people start to talk,” he said.

“We want the footballers and netballers to start having those conversations if they know someone who is affected as a victim or a perpetrator and try help them out.

“You’ve got kids playing thirds football from 16 right up to the oldest players in the league in their mid-thirties, but also the netballers are starting from under 16s to the A grade as well, so there’s a mix of those age groups we really want to target.”