All proceeds from the round will go to research into curing motor neurone disease, a condition that affects more than 2000 people in Australia.

The Lions have been affected by the disease, as former player and committee member Matt Ratcliffe passed away in 2015.

There was plenty of passion from both teams as the day not only celebrated Mr Ratcliffe’s life, but also that of Merimbula captain Daniel Worden’s father David, who was heavily involved at the Diggers until his death in 2017. 

Mr Ratcliffe’s sister Kathryn said the amount of support from the community was fantastic.

“It’s massive for us and our family,” she said. “We have the SOD-1 gene mutation, so I’ve lost about 12 people in my family to MND.

“Not much was happening for a very long time, so events like this are just massively important, because all of a sudden people have that awareness, and the money is coming in.”

The day also garnered plenty of support, including a visit from former AFL star Ronnie Burns as well a painting by well-known Tilba artist Merryn Ipma.

The event also featured a dunk tank, a kid’s tent with face-painting and other activities, and a ladies’ tent, while many club officials surrendered themselves to a slide into an icy pool inspired by the ice bucket challenge. 

Hundreds of dollars were raised in minutes to send some officials into the icy bath, but many braved it for the cause.