‘Play4BCNA Round’ A cause close to Griffin’s heart

The VAFA community will come together this weekend as part of Play4BCNA Round. As such, all VAFA clubs have been encouraged to support the cause in any way they can: hold a Pink Sports Day, wear some form of pink over the weekend, or donate to BCNA. 

This cause is close to the heart of Johannah Griffin, a star of Albert Park FNC and two-time competition best & fairest winner. 

Ahead of the Falcons’ contest against St Mary’s Salesian this weekend, Griffin joined Lucy Watkin and Sophie Welsh on Inside the Boundary, discussing the significance of this weekend and what the BCNA Round means to her.

“It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart, my mum actually passed away from breast cancer when I was very young,” Griffin said. 

“It has affected many of my family, including one of my sisters.” 

“It’s awesome to be able to represent and do something quite small for a very important cause.”

The Falcons have remained in Division 2 Women’s in 2023, despite losing last year’s Grand Final, they’ve started 2023 in a rich vein of form, keen to avenge last year’s heartache. 

“We don’t really know to expect (against St Mary’s) and they don’t really know what to expect, but it’s exciting, it’s nice to play some new teams at fresh grounds, and we’ll just wait and see”

Each day this year, 57 Australians will be told they have breast cancer – that’s over 20,000 people in 2023. It is expected that 170 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and many more are affected through diagnosis of a partner, mother or friend.

The VAFA as an association raised $28,000 in 2022 and is looking to raise $30,000 in 2023.

Albert Park Falcons are one of many VAFA clubs who will be honouring this day by wearing pink socks across the Women’s, Reserves and Senior Men’s. 

Hampton Rovers, De La Salle, Oakleigh and Swinburne AFC will also be hosting an event this weekend and raising funds for this great cause. 

Visit the VAFA page on the BCNA website to make a donation and view a tally of VAFA club’s.