By Tara Murray
East Sunbury has decided not to play senior matches this weekend following the death of Joshua Bishop.
Police found human remains believed to belong to Bishop at a house in Westmeadows at the weekend, following a a month-long search for the 23-year-old, who was reported missing by his family.
A Sunbury man has been charged with his murder.
The Essendon District Football League released a statement on Wednesday informing of the club’s decision.
“The Essendon District Football League wishes to advise that the East Sunbury Football Club will not be playing any senior men’s or women’s matches on Saturday, July 5 in memory of Joshua Bishop, and out of respect for the Bishop family.
“The Bishop family have been, and continue to be an integral part of the East Sunbury Football Club and the entire East Sunbury community. The EDFL extends its deepest condolences to Kristie, Travis, Joshua’s brothers, extended family, friends, and the wider community.
“The affected matches include the under-18.5, reserves, senior men’s, and senior women’s grades. Further, the club has made the decision to play junior games on Sunday.”
East Sunbury was set to face the Sunbury Kangaroos at Boardman Reserve in the under-18.5s, reserves and seniors, while the women’s side was set to be at home against Sunbury Lions.
A decision on the outcome of those fixtures is still to be confirmed.
The league said the club kindly requests that everyone respects the family’s privacy as they navigate this period of mourning.
East Sunbury earlier posted on social media saying Bishop was a bright, kind, and much-loved young man whose presence will be deeply missed by many.
“In times like these, we are reminded of the strength and unity of our community, a community that holds each other close in moments of sorrow and need.”
