Grandfather will play first game in 26 years alongside his grandson
Two non-consecutive generations of the Wehrman family will take the pitch for Murray Bridge United in this weekend's Anzac Round clash.
This story was contributed by Joe Di Santo.
Murray Bridge United FC will host the Cove FC in division three of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League this Saturday for the sixth edition of the annual Anzac Mateship Perpetual Trophy clash.
This year’s fixture will carry special meaning for Trevor Wehrman and his grandson, Trik Eldridge, who are aiming to make club history by becoming the first grandfather-grandson duo to play senior football together for United in the B grade side.
Wehrman, an army veteran and life member of the club, is preparing to come out of retirement after 26 years, looking to add to his impressive tally of 209 games.
Eldridge, just 14, is an exciting young talent currently playing in the club’s under 17s while also representing the under-16 Adelaide Hills Junior Football Association.
He has ambitions to travel to Malaysia later this year to represent South Australia and is also considering following in his grandfather’s footsteps with a future in the Australian Defence Force.
United’s start to the season has been shaky, and they will be eager to secure all three points under new coach Nathan Kynaston, who is also chasing his first piece of silverware with the club.
With a youthful squad, United will lean on experienced players such as Dylan August and captain Dale Binney – last year’s Di Santo Medallion winner – to lead their campaign.
Due to promotion and relegation within the SAASL, this will be the first meeting between the two sides in several years, and the first time they have contested the Mateship Trophy.
The Cove, based in southern Adelaide, are one of the state’s larger clubs, also fielding a team in NPL1.
On paper, the Cove may appear the stronger side, but United will be determined to turn their season around.
With both teams in need of a win, Saturday’s result could prove pivotal in shaping their respective campaigns.
The club is calling on past players and the wider community to come down to Beatty Terrace and support United in what is shaping up to be a must-win encounter.
Match day kicks off at 11am with the under 17s, followed by the B grade at 1pm.
A pre-game Anzac ceremony will then take place before the main event at 3pm, with the trophy presentation to follow.
