On Saturday 8th July a small group of Nhill Auskick registered kids were invited to play at Marvel Stadium; during the halftime match between St Kilda and Melbourne.
Being amongst the crowd and seeing players warming up helped the kids feel part of the action. By quarter time, the allocated small groups were ushered to the change rooms under the giant stadium. Once kitted out in the sponsor’s colours and footy boots the kids emerged from the race and ran out onto the main stage and into their set grids across the ground to the roar of the crowd.
L-R: Zanny; Max; Xavier; Bonnie and Jack McEldrew at the St Kilda and Melbourne Match on Saturday night in Melbourne, Declan and Tegan Carew, Max; Xavier and Jack McEldrew getting ready to run out of halt time. Photos: Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times
Every child was smiling and playing just like their adult idols and you could see the determination on their faces to mark, collect and control the ball and kick to their teammates. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered as debut goals were scored, the first of many we trust.
Once the siren blew, the sweaty recruits returned to the change rooms, cheered on by a guard of honour by adult helpers to complete a brilliant experience. What a night, a memory that will stay with them for years to come.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 12 July 2023.
