Coburg Football Club is thrilled to announce a major event in its 2026 calendar – Roar on the Border. In a historic interstate showdown, Coburg will face Glenelg Football Club (SANFL) for the first time since 1978, as part of a landmark football showcase bringing state-league action to the Limestone Coast region of South Australia.
The match will take place at Mount Gambier on Saturday, 7 March 2026 – West Gambier Football Oval – 50 White Ave, Mount Gambier SA 5290, with the first bounce scheduled for 2:30pm. This rare VFL–SANFL contest reconnects two proud clubs whose rivalry dates back nearly five decades, and once again places state-league footy on centre stage in regional Australia.
A Look Back: The 1978 Escort Cup Clash
The previous meeting between Coburg and Glenelg came in the 1978 NFL Escort Cup, a national night competition featuring leading clubs from across the country. The contest produced high scoring, long kicking and end-to-end football that reflected the competitive spirit of both clubs.
Final Scores – 1978 Escort Cup
GLENELG
5.0 (30)
7.2 (44)
10.8 (68)
15.11 (101)
COBURG
2.1 (13)
6.4 (40)
8.4 (52)
13.6 (84)
Coburg surged late, kicking five final-quarter goals, but Glenelg held on for a 17-point win.
Best Players
Glenelg:
Holst, McInerney, Copping, Carey, Johnston, Hercock
Coburg:
Pitt, Breen, Cleary, Lloyd, Herbert, Tolley
Goalkickers
Glenelg:
Phillis 6, McInerney 3, MacVicar 2, Copping, Carey
Coburg:
Smith 5, Mannix 3, Cleary 2, McMillan, Herbert, Noonan
We’re excited to be part of such a historic event Roar on the Border is a fantastic opportunity to bring high-quality VFL action to a region that is passionate about football. This event not only showcases the talent of our players but also recognises the important role that regional communities play in shaping the future of the game.
