Swan Districts forced to pull out of fundraiser for former Bunbury Bulldog Beau Tann, HBL to fill the void

Bunbury’s fixtured pre-season charity match against Swan Districts has fallen victim to new COVID-19 restrictions, but club officials say they are “grateful” to Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault for filling the void. The two South West Football League clubs will meet in a reserves and league game before some former players get the chance to relive past glories in a day dedicated to Bulldogs 2001 premiership player Beau Tann. Tann, who was the youngest player in that premiership side and won the rising star award, has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer which has spread to his liver, stomach, abdomen, groin and bloodstream. The pre-season clash will be followed by the Old Boys Family Fundraiser Game, with former Bulldogs players and some special guests, including a group of Tann’s mates to roll out in support of the family. A country versus metro game was originally planned for the day, featuring sides made up of both Bunbury and Swan Districts players, but the cap on crowd numbers and insurance issues meant that was no longer possible. Bunbury president Tom Busher thanked HBL for stepping up and said he hoped fans from both clubs would come to Payne Park to support the family. “It will be a little bit more local footy, but sometimes when you get lemons you have to make lemonade,” he said. “They jumped in straight away, they were looking for a scratchie. “We are grateful they are willing to do it because we will then still have the Old Boys’ Game.” Players will take the field for the game wearing shirts featuring a picture of Tann. Busher said he was also grateful for a number of Tann’s former South Bunbury teammates, where he finished his playing career, for also taking part in the day. A rescheduled match between Bunbury and Swan Districts is now being planned for next year.