The Mortlock Shield is a traditional Eyre Peninsula sporting event. Over time a number of changes to the membership and format of the Mortlock Shield has occurred to accommodate changes to the population profile of the region. Things do change over the course of time and in 2026 the participating teams across the four Eyre Peninsula leagues have decided to trial a Saturday/Sunday format in line with the State Country Championships format.
This format trial mirrors one of the unique characteristics of the Mortlock Shield – its enduring nature. Over time, the various leagues that have participated in the Mortlock Shield have been willing to be flexible and adapt the event to mirror changes in the demographic profile of the region and societal trends.
The Mortlock Shield has provided generations of Eyre Peninsula folk with opportunities to participate at interleague level and represent one’s league. It has also seen many fine footballers who have gone on to represent Eyre Peninsula at the State Country Championships and in some cases to represent South Australia Country and this pathway opportunity was highlighted in 2024 when six Eyre Peninsula players were selected in the South Australian side.
I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank the Cummins and Port Lincoln Bendigo Bank branches for their ongoing naming rights sponsorship of the carnival and the many other sponsors whose contribution is also valued and important. It may be an old saying, but it’s meaning is timeless – please support those who support the Mortlock Shield.
As is custom, new life members to the Mortlock Shield are inducted at the life members, team officials and major sponsors dinner on the Saturday evening of the carnival weekend. This year’s dinner will be conducted at the Port Lincoln Hotel and an outstanding servant of the Mortlock Shield will be inducted as a life member. I congratulate David Stoeckel whose contribution to Lincoln City commenced in 1999 and continues to this very day.
Another tradition of the Mortlock Shield is to have a carnival guest who has a strong association with Australian Rules Football. This year we are privileged to have James Fantasia, the Norwood Football Club CEO in attendance. James is retiring at the end of June after a career in football administration that commenced in the late 1980’s which included roles at three AFL clubs. He has been the Norwood CEO since 2016 and during that time we sincerely thank him for his club’s support of football across the Eyre Peninsula region. Replacing James will certainly be a challenge for the Norwood club.
Since the early 1960’s in most years a related component of the Mortlock Shield June long weekend has been an under 15 carnival. Over time this carnival has had three titles, originally the North Adelaide Supporters Shield, then the Port Adelaide Cup when Eyre Peninsula was zoned to that club and in more recent times the Norwood Cup as Eyre Peninsula is zoned to that club. The Norwood Cup is an important pathway opportunity for young players. I welcome the Norwood officials and thank the Norwood club for continuing to provide this opportunity for our young people.
Aside from the playing participants over the weekend, there are many volunteer team officials, coaches and umpires who collectively provide the framework for the games to be conducted. I thank all of you and acknowledge your invaluable contribution to the weekend of football.
In summary, it is my pleasure to welcome one and all to the 2025 Bendigo Bank Mortlock Shield. The carnival has been scheduled 80 times and has been conducted 75 times. The Mortlock Shield is and will remain rich in history in whatever format it is conducted in the future.
