29 WEEKENDSPORT Friday, August 28, 2026| Gippsland Weekend Premiership cup returns to Cowwarr Last Saturday, after many years away, the 1923 Cowwarr and District premiership cup finally returned home to Cowwarr. Matt Sailor presented the cup to Cowwarr Football Netball Club’s Garry Blair. Sailor explained that his stepfather, Joseph Johnson, had held the cup for more than 25 years, moving it with him time and time again. After finding the cup, Sailor felt it belonged back with its rightful owners and decided to return it to Cowwarr. Sailor plays for Woodside, brought the cup with him and handed it over to Blair saying it comes with “good karma” and wished them (Woodside and Cowwarr) all the best for their finals series. Lindenow Football Netball Club has been crowned Gippsland’s Best Thursday Night Club. In a recent online vote of the final five, the Cats’ recent 45 per cent of the vote finished ahead of Heyfield (24), Warragul Industrials (15), Bunyip (9) and Maffra (8). From strong community spirit and welcoming club culture to the dedication of volunteers, players, supporters and families, Thursday nights at Lindenow have become a highlight of the week. The club has created an environment that brings people together and makes football and netball more than just a game. As part of taking out the title, AFL Gippsland will be heading to Lindenow during the pre-season to shout the club an allexpenses-paid barbecue, giving everyone another chance to come together and celebrate what makes their club so special. Lindenow and Warragul Industrials went with a Chinese feast them, Maffra opted for a pub night, Bunyip a burger night and Heyfield a greek feast. There are some family names that become part of the history of a football club, and the Matthews family is certainly one of them. From Terry “Tiger” Matthews, to John Matthews, and now James Matthews — three generations have proudly pulled on the black and white stripes, with each leaving their own mark on the Lucknow Football Netball Club. Terry “Tiger” Matthews is a name firmly etched into Lucknow history and recognised as a member of Lucknow’s Team of the Century. Terry was part of Lucknow’s 1969 junior premiership, before going on to taste senior premiership success in 1970 and 1971. He was also a multiple best and fairest winner, with his achievements still proudly displayed on the honour boards in the clubrooms today. His son, John, was the next generation to continue the family tradition. John was part of Lucknow’s under 13 premiership side in 1996, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest that season. He went on to become an under 15 premiership player in 1999, before finishing thirds runner-up in the best and fairest in 2003, winning the thirds best and fairest in 2004. John spent 10 years in the black and white from 1996–2005, adding another chapter to the Matthews family’s history at Lucknow. And now, James Matthews, John’s son has added his own piece of history to the family story, becoming a Lucknow premiership player in 2026 with the under 13 team last week. From Tiger’s premierships in 1969, 1970 and 1971, through John’s junior years and premiership success, and now to James in 2026. Three generations, three Lucknow premiership players, one family name woven into the history of the Magpies. A special legacy for the Matthews family, with plenty more chapters to be written in the story. Triumph for Lindenow Lindenow Football Netball Club have been crowned Gippsland’s Best Thursday Night Club after a recent online vote. (PS) Three generations celebrate Terry Matthews, with grandson, James and son, John last week with the premiership cup won recently by the Lucknow under 13 side this season. (PS) Design, Print & Deliver 0403 638 751 | 115a Foster St, Sale 5155 1514 | 505 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance 5152 4141 | 65 Macleod St, Bairnsdale 5154 1919 | 122 Nicholson St, Orbost Sale to Orbost & everywhere in between Across the region from
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