This year, the students head out to Picken Oval, where the Magpies will play host to the highly anticipated match; dedicated to the outstanding player, coach, club person and friend that was Peter Ramus.

Peter Ramus, hailing from Melbourne, developed a keen interest in Australian Rules Football and the Collingwood Football Club. After playing footy and studying at ANU when his family spent time there, he then ended up playing and coaching at the Frankston Rovers Football Club, where Ramus’s tough hard football style suited the clubs playing style to a tee.

On moving to Sydney, Ramus not only kept up his football involvement, but in fact decided to double it; playing, training and coaching with both the Newtown Angels and Sydney Uni. Ramus, nicknamed Branch when he came to Uni by verbal sparring partner and close friend John Baistow, held an impressive coaching record; making finals in each year that he coached. After calling time on his playing and coaching years with Uni, Branch served as a dedicated and energetic committee member, contributing to much of the success that the club enjoyed. Ramus, along with his wife Jan, organised and attended many SUANFC dinners and functions.

It wasn’t just Sydney Uni who benefitted from the incredible voluntary contribution of Peter Ramus- Ramus also became very highly involved with junior footy in the inner west following his playing days. Serving in Vice President, President and Coaching roles of the junior Western Suburbs club- Peter, along with his extremely supportive and dedicated wife Jan, were largely responsible for regenerating the club.

In response to Peters incredible contribution, both clubs came together to honour Ramus with the inaugural Peter Ramus Cup match being held in 2008 at Picken Oval.

Following Peter’s passing in early 2009, the Cup became and continues to be even more of a special match and occasion for all, in particular for Peter’s family. In discussing the upcoming match with Peter’s wife, Jan, she reflected on what a special day it is each year:

‘It’s great that both clubs still recognise and remember Peter’s contribution over a decade after his passing. It’s a very special day for our family’

A thrilling match up in 2021 saw the cup go to both teams after a draw. This year, the Students will be looking to claim a convincing victory and bring the cup back home for the full year (and no doubt Inner West will be looking to do the same!). It’s set to be another great game of footy, and while Branch won’t be there, his memory certainly lives on!

Join us at Picken Oval this Saturday 30^th May.

The Womens Premier Division will take on Inner West Magpies in the morning at 10.20am, with the Men’s Premier Division game getting underway at 2.10pm.