Wellington’s enthusiastic Auskick AFL group travelled to Canberra last Sunday to take part in a half time exhibition match on centre field at Manuka Oval during the Sydney Swans versus Melbourne Demons premiership match.
Although defeated by their more seasoned and experienced rivals, it was a memorable experience for all involved.
It was originally scheduled for the Auskick group to play against a team from Wellington Public School. However, with the school side withdrawing from the event, a combined team of Auskick representatives from Orange, Parkes and Canberra was assembled to compete against the Wellington side.
“It was disappointing that the school pulled out, it would have been a great showcase for Wellington,” Wellington Auskick president Nelson Sweet said.
“But on the other hand, it gave our kids a chance to play against rivals that compete week in and week out in regular competitions, and to meet Auskick players from other areas.
“Lots of parents and supporters assisted us by selling chocolates to help pay for the bus - a big thankyou goes out to all those people for making the day possible and to Katrina McLennan of Orange Auskick for helping us out at short notice.”
The crowd of 12,000 people didn’t faze the players. About half the group had run on to Telstra Stadium last year in front of 64,000 spectators, but there were also a number of new faces.
“We decided to let a lot of the younger and less experienced kids go on this year. They all got a buzz out of it,” Mr Sweet said.
The reaction of the players was unanimous.
“It was mad!” was Brenton Hayes’ comment, while Bradley King said, “I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life.”
The full team taking to the field as the ‘Wellington Demons’ was Ryan Chatfield, Sophie Hawke, Paul Mills, Callum Smith, Bradley King, Elisa Sweet, Zoe Sweet, Ellie Flanagan, Brenton Hayes, Nathan Kershaw, Matthew Maher and Shiralee Maher, with Brodie Henderson from the Parkes club also playing on the Wellington side.
With another trip next year already on the drawing board, as well as plans to organise a possible AFL carnival in the future, Wellington Auskick is always on the lookout for new players.
Auskick is on every Sunday morning at Pioneer Park at 10am.
For further information you can contact Nelson Sweet on 0403 405 233 or Dave Maher on 6845 3822 (AH).