THE Mininera and District Football League (MDFL) is gearing up for its 100-year celebration which will coincide with a book launch, with the publication documenting the history of the league dating back to the 1920 two-team competition between Westmere and Streatham.

Saturday’s event will coincide with the SMW Rovers v Tatyoon clash at Mininera.

Former Tatyoon junior and three-time AFL premiership player, David Astbury, will attend the day as the guest speaker.

Astbury has a strong family link to the Hawks and the defender will play a big role in the day’s proceedings.

The book ‘Mighty Mininera League – The Centenary of Mininera and District Football League 1921-2021’ will be launched at the event with 500 copies printed.

Much of the research done for the book was done in The Spectator archives in Hamilton.

Kel Murray’s book, which was edited by Karen McIntyre, includes the first full written records from each club and will prove popular with league supporters.

A MDFL Team of the Century will also be announced at the event, with a raft of local players in the mix for selection.

The reunion and launch will commence at noon during the round six clash and will include speeches, a book signing and will also double as a reunion of past league administrators and players.

Former league president, John Box, will also be among the speakers, along with current president, Dale Bruns.

The initial celebration and book launch was planned for last year, but with uncertainty around COVID restrictions, the decision was made to postpone until this year.

With Tatyoon and SMW Rovers involved in the league dating back to 1926, the fixture was chosen to host the event.

All community members are welcome to attend and enquiries and book orders can be made by contacting John Box on 0408 877 705.

A feature on the history of the MDFL will be in Saturday’s Spec.