Aquinas and Whitefriars have had a long and storied history in the VAFA dating back to Aquinas’ first season in the competition when they won the premiership by a solitary point over Whitefriars in 1987.
It was a now famous Terry Jones mark on the last line of defence which delivered the first piece of VAFA silverware to the men in the red, black and green.
Since then both clubs have enjoyed great seasons, mediocre seasons and poor seasons but the rivalry has always remained with the mob from up the road
For the first time since 2010 both clubs once again fight for premiership points and the Wilkinson-Strike Cup.
The Wilkinson-Strike Cup is on the line each time these two clubs face each other and is currently held by Whitefriars after their win in last season’s practice match.
The cup is named for 2 ornaments to their club, Mark Wilkinson from Aquinas and Simon Strike from Whitefriars whose lives were unfortunately taken far too early.
Mark ‘Namma’ Wilkinson’s roll of honour at Aquinas is as lengthy as it is impressive.
- 237 Games for AOCFC (8th all time)
- Senior Best & Fairest (1987)
- Senior Premiership (1987)
- League Best & Fairest (1987)
- Multiple Big V Representative
- Reserves Best & Fairest (1984)
- Reserves Premiership (1984)
Both Mark and Simon were exceptional people and their playing careers at their respective clubs was elite.
They both showed a tremendous amount of loyalty to their respective clubs and were high level performers who rejected offers from local paying clubs to build legendary careers at the club they loved.
The loss to each community was immense and so the best way to honour their lives was to celebrate them each time the 2 clubs met and therefore the Cup was formed.
Their memory is kept alive and this weekend as a club we will be thinking of our great friend Namma.