BAROSSA mayor Bim Lange will headline the over 35s charity match between Barossa and Tanunda next month, coming out of retirement for the great cause.
To be played on July 6, the match will be the third meeting
between the sides, with both having won one game apiece.
Organiser and Barossa player Rick Lane said while a charity has yet to be chosen to donate to, he’s been very busy signing up new talent.
“I’ve looked at focusing on guys who hadn’t gone right through with their journey in football,” he said.
“It’s a good opportunity to get back to the club, some blokes haven’t been back in about 30 years.
“For me it’s going to be a bit of a buzz to play alongside people like Bim who played in the 1982 premiership, as well as my brother and Darren Thompson who played in the 1987 and 1988 flags.
“Having the Stelzer twins coming back too is great.
“I’ve got people who have won early ‘80s premierships having a crack next to those from the mid-2000s.”
Mr Lange, who turns 68 the day after the match, said he’s expecting to play a major role in the game.
“I’m pretty excited, the 1982 premiership is a distant memory,” he said.
“I constantly dream of playing, I think I have one more game left in me.
“It’s just really fantastic I’ve been given this opportunity to relive my youth, everyone’s scared I’m going to break down just running out onto the oval.
“I think I’ll play a key position, full forward, centre-half-forward and look to bring the ball in.
“I finished my days in the back pocket, but I think I’m ready enough to go forward.”
Mr Lange added he’s been eager to play a part in the event, after being interstate for the previous two matches.
“I’ve been watching him (Mr Lane) bring the guys back together, and reliving those early days,” he said.
“It’s a reunion in that respect, but the past two years I’ve been in Melbourne for a bike ride, and it always coincides with the game.
“As soon as he put the word out, I put my hand up and said ‘is there a place for a dinosaur?’”
The over 35s match will get under way following the Barossa District and Tanunda A-grade match.