Kyneton has received a welcome boost ahead of its clash with Macedon, with Melbourne premiership player Michael Hibberd to pull on the boots for the important Riddell District Football League clash.
The Tigers announced on Monday night that Hibberd would play a one off game for the Tigers.
Hibberd played 197 AFL games with Essendon and Melbourne and was part of the Demons 2021 premiership team.
Kyneton coach Ethan Foreman said he was excited to play alongside his great mate.
“I’m a firefighter and he joined after he finished in the league,” he said. “We were in the same recruitment group.
“I tried to get him to play for the whole season, but he wanted to play closer to home at Port Melbourne with a young family.
“He promised me a game and we worked out what would work and this game did.”
Foreman said it would be unreal to play alongside Hibberd.
He said the younger players, most who would have never played with someone who has played at the level Hibberd, would benefit most.
“He brings a wealth of experience, with 13 or 14 seasons in the AFL,” he said. “He has won a premiership and was All-Australian.
“It’s massive for the younger group to have that experience. Not just the physical presence out there, but the experience he brings and can show the tricks of the trade.
“It’s big for the league, club and community. Hopefully we’ll get a big crowd down there.”
The match is a massive one for the Tigers, who sit 4-1.
Macedon sits 1-3 having dropped its past two matches.
Foreman said there was a bit of rivalry between the two teams.
“I’m expecting it to be a big game, a big match up,” he said. “They beat us twice last year and we were disappointed to get done twice.
“They beat us fair and square and we want redemption and can not wait.”
