by Davyd Reid
"Everybody here has someone they can talk to."

That was the message as members of the Warragul Industrials, Buln Buln and wider community gathered at Warragul's Western Park for the fifth annual Tyson Bale Memorial match on Saturday.
A bumper day of sport with six games of netball and five games off football attracted another big crowd to honour the legacy of Bale, with many of his family and former teammates in attendance.
New Trafalgar coach Shane Brewster watched on, while Bale's former Buln Buln teammate and close friend Jack Symes pulled the boots on for the Lyrebirds despite crossing to Yarragon during the off-season.
Warragul Industrials new coach Bob McCallum arrived in a suit before players from both sides ran through a giant inflatable arch bearing the message "let's talk about it."
Players this year were joined by the umpires in wearing green socks in a further highlight for the cause.
Speaking pre-match, Troy Hemming of Warragul Industrials spoke out about community clubs and the importance to look out for each other before a minute of silence was observed in memory of loved ones lost.
"It's a reminder that you don't need to know everything about mental health, there's always someone to go to," he said. "It's a chance to honour legacy and show someone cares."
The Tyson Bale Memorial fund has raised more than $37,000 since its inception with many donations from this year's event yet to be counted.
Bale's legacy lives on through the fund, which aims to assist those struggling with mental health and provide access to training and programs to start conversations around their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
The fund is used to subsidise costs of accredited training and workshops prioritising the mind and behavioural health to sporting clubs and leagues throughout the Gippsland region.
On field, Buln Buln troubled the Industrials at times to draw within a goal during the third term.
But the Industrials were able to win the territory battle for much of the contest and kicked away in the final term for a strong win, 13-6 (84) to 4-2 (26).
Bale died during COVID lockdowns in July 2020. He played for both Warragul Industrials and Buln Buln and since his death the two clubs have met for a pre-season match in his honour, to raise awareness about mental health health.
If this article raises concern, support is available at Lifeline 13 11 14; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; or Beyond Blue 1300 224636 .