Sydney Auskicker Abbie Dare off to Melbourne for unforgettable Grand Final experience

Lane Cove NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year nominee Abbie Dare will travel to Melbourne this week for an unforgettable three-day AFL experience as part of the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition.

Abbie is 8-years-old and follows the Sydney Swans. Her favourite players are GIANTS AFLW captain Amanda Farrugia and Sydney Swans star Buddy Franklin, memorably telling presenter Hamish McLachlan live on air that her favourite AFLW team was Amanda Farrugia and getting a letter from her hero.

Abbie regularly turns her barbie dolls into GIANTS and other AFLW stars – including Carlton’s Tayla Harris – and as a result of her interactions with the GIANTS at games and on a visit to the club, she started playing Auskick.

The NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition celebrates the passion and dedication of thousands of children who attend NAB AFL Auskick centres across Australia every weekend.

Held from September 26-28, the Grand Final experience will have Abbie and 21 other nominees take part in a number of incredible experiences, including walking in the AFL Grand Final parade, playing on the hallowed MCG turf during half-time of the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final and presenting the 2019 AFL Premiers with their medals.

In addition, all 22 nominees will attend the 2019 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year Award night, where an overall winner will be announced.

The lucky 2019 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year will receive $5,000 in a NAB Reward Saver Account and have Geelong Football Club captain Joel Selwood and AFLW star Katie Brennan as their personal footy mentors for 2020.

AFL General Manager of Growth, Digital and Audience Darren Birch said that is was terrific to be able to provide a number of NAB AFL Auskickers from across the country with an experience they will never forget.

“The NAB AFL Auskick program is one of the best, first introductions a child has with Australian Football, and we are thrilled to recognise the littlest champions who ignite a passion for the game through the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition,” Mr Birch said.

“In conjunction with our partner NAB, we’re delighted to provide the 2019 Auskicker of the Year nominees with an opportunity to be part of the festivities of AFL Grand Final week, an experience which I’m sure they will remember for many years to come.”