Ballarat shops paint the town in team colours for first all-local grand final
Butchers and businesses across Ballarat are flying team colours ahead of Saturday's grand final between the Swans and Sebastopol.
Businesses across Ballarat sport red and white for the Swans and blue and yellow for Sebastopol, as the city prepares for its first all-local grand final since 2019. At Meat n More in Alfredton, butcher Mat Hinchcliffe said keeping local spirit alive matters.
Owner Mick Haintz's son plays for the Swans. Down the road, Ringin's Butchery is flying Sebastopol's colours.
Owner Barry Ringin, a lifelong supporter, said it's an act of solidarity with the community that has backed the club all year. Sebastopol is hoping to win their first flag in 51 years.
- 7 (2019)
- Years since last all-local final
- 51 years without a flag
- Sebastopol drought
- 3 generations played
- Ringin family generations
- 95 years old
- Ringin matriarch age
Why it mattersGrand finals shape community identity in regional towns. This match decides which side gets to celebrate a year of hard work and which waits another season.
AustraliaFor Ballarat residents, this weekend settles a year of bragging rights between two local rivals. The winner's colour will define the town for the next twelve months.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
