Fev, Guy Sebastian, and the Spirit of Local Footy: Masala Dandenong Set for an Unmissable Super Saturday
- Mark Woods
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Saturday, May 10 at Lois Twohig Reserve is shaping up to be the biggest day in Masala Dandenong Football Club’s history and one of the great moments in local footy.
AFL superstar Brendan Fevola will pull on the yellow and black for Masala’s Reserves in the VAFA Thirds Division 5, while Australian music icon Guy Sebastian will perform live at halftime in a day celebrating heart, hope, and the soul of grassroots football.
Guy Sebastian will also take to the field and play for Masala in the game.
And for Masala, a club that nearly folded just 18 months ago, it’s more than just a spectacle.
It’s a powerful reminder of what local footy can be.
A Club Like No Other
The Masala Dandenong Football Club, nicknamed the Tigers, is no ordinary footy club.
Founded in 2012 by Ash Nugent, the club was built to create a space for multicultural participation in Aussie Rules, taking its name from the word "masala", a blend of spices, to represent diversity.
Backed in its early days by Richmond Football Club and proudly wearing the yellow and black, Masala began in VAFA’s Club XVIII division before progressing to full senior ranks in 2015.
Over the years, the club has called multiple grounds home, settling at Lois Twohig Reserve in 2020.
Masala introduced a junior program in 2022 and has continued to prioritise community connection, inclusion, and opportunity.
From Rock Bottom to the Spotlight
In late 2023, Masala was in crisis. With the VAFA abolishing Division 4 and moving the club to a more competitive Division 3, player numbers dwindled.
After a mass player walkout, just a handful of people turned up to preseason training.
On January 12, 2024, following a unanimous committee vote, president William Bolch announced that Masala would withdraw from Division 3.
Instead, the club re-entered the VAFA Thirds competition, fielding teams in Divisions 2 and 5.
It was a massive reset but something special happened.
Rather than folding, players brought mates, they stayed and brought others.
By Round 1 of 2024, Masala was fielding two full teams every week, a feat that defied the odds and kept the club alive.
On-field results were tough.
The Reserves suffered heavy defeats including 2–255 and 13–177.
The start of 2025 hasn’t been much kinder, with an average losing margin of over 120 points and last week’s 236–7 loss still fresh.
But through it all, the club kept showing up and now, they’re putting on the biggest show of the VAFA season.
How It All Happened
The idea came from Reserves assistant coach Sam, who entered Fox FM’s Fev on Your Team competition, sharing Masala’s raw story: a winless but determined team full of community spirit.
Brendan Fevola, 204 AFL games, 623 goals, two-time Coleman Medallist, three-time All-Australian, didn’t hesitate.
He said yes.
Then came another headline: Guy Sebastian, one of Australia’s most beloved artists, will take to the stage at halftime.
It’s a day no one saw coming and one that no Masala player or supporter will ever forget.
Leading the Rebuild
At just 22, club president Billy Bolch has led Masala’s revival with vision and belief:
“This is an incredible opportunity for the football club, a chance to showcase our club, community and culture,” Bolch said.
“As one of the newest clubs in the league, we don’t usually have the limelight. But even if just for a week, this puts us in the spotlight.”
“It’s a chance to bring in new supporters and players, and yes, it’s also a financial opportunity to raise the funds we desperately need.”
And the momentum is growing.
The club recently secured a major partnership with Bendigo Bank Dingley Village, whose support will help Masala grow both its football programs and community initiatives.
It’s a crucial partnership that adds stability and opens doors for what’s next.
The People Who Make It Possible
Masala Dandenong Football Club's resilience and growth are powered by the incredible dedication of its key volunteers and committee members.
Senior coach Adam Lagerwskij has been a steady presence, leading with passion and mentorship, guiding the club through tough times.
Hayley Lagerwskij, Adam's wife, is the backbone of the club, juggling roles from club treasurer to canteen manager.
She spends her weekends either assisting the senior teams on Saturdays or supporting the juniors on Sundays.
Recently, she managed the club's volunteers during a Bunnings BBQ fundraiser, dedicating the whole day to ensure everything ran smoothly.
These are just a few of the amazing people working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Without their collective effort and unwavering commitment, Masala Dandenong wouldn’t be the strong community-driven club it is today.
New Reserves coach Rod Ellis joined the club this season, bringing structure, positivity, and a genuine care for the playing group.
With his arrival and a strong off-season of recruitment, Masala looks in the best shape it’s been in for years.
But no one’s pretending the job is done.
There’s still plenty of work ahead, and the club is hungry to keep building both on and off the field.
Super Saturday Event Details
9am Saturday May 10
Lois Twohig Reserve, Dandenong North
Match: Masala Dandenong 2s vs [Opponent to be announced]
Featuring Brendan Fevola
Halftime: Live performance by Guy Sebastian
Be Part of It
Whether you’re a diehard footy fan, a local looking for a great day out, or someone who just loves an underdog story, Masala’s Super Saturday is for you.
Come down and support a club that represents everything good about community sport: resilience, inclusivity, and heart.
This is local footy at its best.
This is Masala.
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