Traditional Coalfields' rivalry was put aside as the Maitland Pickers and Cessnock Goannas paid tribute to a mutual mate Harry Hofman on Saturday.
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Players from both teams lined up with Harry’s family for the annual Harry Hofman Memorial Day celebrated at the Pickers first home game of the season against the Goannas.
Harry died suddenly in October 2014, from a ruptured spleen, the result of Epstein Barr Virus. He was just two months short of his 19th birthday.
A popular members of the Pickers reserves grade team, the Beresfield junior played school football with mates from the Pickers and Goannas.
Pickers president Frank Lawler said Harry epitomised all that was good about football.
“He was a great clubman, the Pickers were part of his family and Harry and his family were part of the Pickers family,” he said.
”Each year we pay tribute to Harry, but he is always in our thoughts particular the players who not only played footy with him but grew up with him at school.”
Zach Pursehouse was presented with the Harry Hofman Memorial trophy by Harry’s family at the post match ceremonies at Maitland League’s Club.