AFL 9s Media Challenge
A huge contingent from radio station Nova 969, complete with their very own cheer squad, arrived at Lakeside Oval decked out in red, ready to tackle a combined team from News Local and Fox Sports News.
After being explained the modified rules of AFL 9s, Swans players Rhyce Shaw, Marty Mattner, Nick Malceski, Ben McGlynn, Lewis Jetta and Tom Mitchell, led by veteran Jude Bolton, split themselves amongst the teams to offer coaching tips and words of wisdom.
Bolton was the most vocal of the coaches with a hobbling Shaw, nursing a corked calf, taking up the responsibilities of goal umpire at one end. He was ably assisted by Lewis Jetta and Ben McGlynn, while Mattner was left to officiate alone at the other end.
Nova’s red team got off to a flying start with the first goal of the game, but an injection of talent from the Fox Sports News crew meant the blue team pulled away in the first half to lead at half time.
A late fight back from the Nova red team, with much encouragement from their cheer squad, was too little too late as the combined team from News Local and Fox Sports News took out the very first AFL 9s media challenge by two points.
A goal kicking competition was quickly organised by Jude Bolton with the Nova team exacting revenge to win by one point, 1.0 to 1.1.
AFL NSW/ACT would like to thank all the media outlets involved for ensuring a very enjoyable day and the Sydney Swans players on their Community Camp for spending time and effort coaching and encouraging all those involved in the day.
