May 25, 2026

Match Of The Year – Clunes

Clunes unites for Match of the Year in support of Hannah’s Voice 

The Clunes Football Club brought community, sport and purpose together on Saturday 23 May, hosting its “Match of the Year” in support of Hannah’s Voice — a powerful initiative aimed at preventing family and intimate partner violence through education and community action.


Held in honour of Hannah McGuire, the event brought together players past and present, family, friends and supporters to stand together in remembrance and commit to change. Hannah’s Voice, established in her memory, reflects her belief that education is a means of building safer, more respectful communities. The day was marked by both emotional reflection and spirited football, as Clunes mounted a late surge before falling short after narrowing a near-50-point margin to within a single kick in the final term. Despite the result, the match itself was secondary to the occasion's broader impact.


AFL player and Clunes junior Nick Hind returned to pull on his boyhood colours, describing the experience as deeply meaningful. 

“It was very special. It meant a lot to be around family and bring some past players out,” Mr Hind said. 

Mr Hind, a relative of the McGuire family, said the significance of the day extended well beyond the game.

“Hannah meant so much to me, and so many people, and it was a major reason for coming back here today,” he said.
“It was amazing that it could be unveiled (Hannah’s Voice), and hopefully we can send a stronger message that it (violence) is never okay.” 

At the heart of the event were powerful speeches by Hannah’s mother, Debbie McGuire, and Allied Justice CEO Narelle Laing, who both spoke about loss, legacy and the urgent need for prevention. Debbie McGuire reflected on the profound impact of Hannah’s death and on the importance of carrying her legacy forward through action. 

“Our world changed forever when Hannah was taken from us… but in the midst of our grief, we hold onto the hope that Hannah’s legacy can help bring about the change needed to end the violence that stole her life,” she said. She described Hannah’s Voice as a continuation of her daughter’s values — grounded in connection, education and shared responsibility.

“Together… we will keep her voice alive… and move closer to the light of who she was — bright, chatty, social, and full of life.”


Mrs McGuire also acknowledged the Clunes Football & Netball Club’s role in bringing the community together.



“We sincerely thank the Clunes Football & Netball Club for bringing this community together today, to remember Hannah, reflect, and acknowledge our shared responsibility to help end violence against women.” 


Narelle Laing echoed the call for collective responsibility, emphasising that family violence is present in every community. 

“This is not something that happens somewhere else… it is here, in the communities where we live and work. It happened to Hannah,” she said. 


She challenged the football community to play an active role in driving cultural change. 


“As a football community, change starts right here — in the change rooms, on the field, on the sidelines… calling it out matters. The initiative aims to strengthen prevention and education efforts, highlighting the purpose behind Hannah’s Voice,” Ms Laing said. 


“Hannah’s Voice will help strengthen the way our systems respond, educate, and prevent violence before harm occurs.” 

More than just a sporting fixture, the Clunes Match of the Year became a platform for awareness, reflection and commitment — demonstrating the power of community in driving social change. As Ms Laing concluded, the message of the day was clear: 

“Let this be more than a gathering… Let it be a commitment — to speak up, to step in, to challenge what is harmful, and to build a community where women and girls are safe.” 

From emotional tributes to on-field determination, the day honoured Hannah McGuire not only in memory but with a united call to action, ensuring her voice continues to be heard. 

You can subscribe to updates or submit an expression of interest in supporting Hannah’s Voice via the button link below .

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