08 July 2025
Tasmanian men and families impacted by prostate cancer are expected to be the winners when two local football clubs go head-to-head in Tasmania’s third ‘Battle of Franklin Cup’ on Saturday, July 19.
All proceeds from the game between the Clarence Zebras and Kingborough Lions United will be donated to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
This year’s event will be at the home of Clarence Zebras, Wentworth Park in Howrah.
The Cup itself was generously purchased by Tristan Penneyston from Penneyston Painting.
Co-President of Clarence Zebras, Nick Di Giovanni, said the club was looking forward to hosting the event but even more so, taking the title away from Kingborough Lions United Football Club.
Brian Downes, President of Kingborough Lions United said, “The Battle of Franklin Cup was always a highlighted game for each of their players throughout each season and one they won’t let go of the cup without a contest! But most of all, it was an opportunity to support men’s health while watching a great contest of football.”
Both Presidents agreed that prostate cancer has impacted many Tasmanians and a number of their club members. Each year the ‘Battle of Franklin Cup’ has been a roaring success and both clubs look forward to repeating the action on Saturday July 19.
Nick also said, “Fans will enjoy a great game atmosphere as well as hot food and drinks in the clubhouse, where people will be able to donate to PCFA and have conversations with other prostate cancer survivors.
Prostate cancer survivor and long-time Clarence Zebras supporter, Rick Bennett, urged locals to get along to the game.
“Keeping these types of conversation relevant and ongoing is a passion of mine as I want to see as many men in their 40s start a conversation with their GPs to commence PSA testing,” said Mr Bennett.
“We need more men to be tested earlier so they can create a baseline through regular PSA testing. By having earlier testing, this enabled me to react much sooner once there was a change in the numbers.
“Without being on top of it as soon as we were able to, I may not have had the positive and significant outcomes I have today. Sadly, a lot of men are still not being tested, and, in some cases, it can be too late. A PSA test is only a simple blood test that can be ordered by your GP.
“It’s just a prick, do it quick!”
“I’m again looking forward to seeing the Battle of Franklin Cup take part once again, cheering on our common goal of supporting men and their loved ones in the community living with prostate cancer and continuing the conversation of getting more men tested. #BeinvestedGetTested.”
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, commended the clubs.
“With more than 6,000 Tasmanian men and families impacted by prostate cancer, events like this are key to rallying much-needed support and raising awareness of the disease,” Ms Savage said.
“Community awareness is key to prostate cancer control, helping to improve rates of early detection and promote greater understanding of Tasmania’s most commonly diagnosed cancer for men.
“More than 500 Tasmanian men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
“We’re tremendously grateful to the Clarence Zebras and the Kingborough Lions for supporting men in the local community impacted by prostate cancer.
“Organiser and volunteer Rick Bennett has been a champion for our cause, demonstrating the difference that individuals can make in saving lives.
“We’re pleased to see Rick and others bring together these two clubs for what promises to be a great match.
“We look forward to a great day of football for men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.”
For more information and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au.
