Juniors take centre stage

The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants invited members of the Young Auskick program to participate in Auskick activities during their clash with the Geelong Cats at Skoda Stadium in Sydney.

The match was a tribute to Australian farmers and GWS thought what better way to celebrate farmers than to invite AFL players from rural communities.

A massive eight mini fields were set up during halftime, involving five Auskick centres from the Central West, including Young, West Wyalong, Ganmain, Orange and Mudgee.

The Young AFL Saints not only took nine eager youngsters to the game but also players from their U18s and senior sides, filling a 33-seater bus.

Out of the juniors, there were six boys and three girls – Beau and Bryton Harmer-Clark, Tom Mew, Riley Browne, Caitlin Thompson, Chloe and Michael Skelton, and Brea and Bryce Fulwood.

“They had a ball!” Young Auskick coordinator, Geoff Harmer said, “we were sitting right behind one of the goals so they saw a lot of what goes on, they got to see the defensive pressure and goal attack.

“They had quite a fair bit to do,” he said.

Under 18s player Ethan Silk helped Harmer out with coaching and umpiring duties, joining the Auskickers on the field at halftime.

The Young juniors had the thrill of running out onto an AFL premiership field to play the Auskick activities in front of a crowd of 8000 to 9000 before they formed the guard of honour for the GWS Giants for the second half. 

They also got to meet and give high-fives with the Giants’ mascot G-Man.

During halftime Auskickers had the chance to learn some tips from development officers and even some junior/reserve GWS players.

There were pony rides and tractor displays up one end and face painting at the other end.

“They were given plenty of show bags – everywhere they went they were getting something for nothing thanks to GWS and they loved it,” Harmer said.