Four Sydney girls in Auskick national team
Four Sydney-based Auskickers will have the experience of a lifetime during Grand Final week, following their selection in the Team NAB AFL Auskick for 2023.
Aliska Reitano and Amelie Carey from Lane Cove Cats, and Bonnie Joyce from Andie Judd from Maroubra Saints and their families are excited to join 19 other lucky recruits from around the country in Melbourne.
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Jam-packed itinerary
Arriving on Wednesday evening ahead of the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final, the first stop on the incredible itinerary will see the Auskickers take part in a guernsey presentation on Thursday where they’ll be handed their jumpers in front of an audience including AFL and AFLW players.
Joining thousands of footy fans in the heart of Melbourne on Friday, the team will soak up all the atmosphere of Grand Final eve as they participate in the Grand Final Parade, before watching the last training sessions of both teams contending for premiership glory.
The ultimate footy experience for Team NAB AFL Auskick peaks on Saturday – that last day in September. The recruits will not only play an on-field grid game on the hallowed turf of the MCG before the first bounce, but they’ll also present the newly crowned premiership players with their medallions.
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Selection process
Team NAB AFL Auskick was a new initiative this year and called for registered participants of NAB AFL Auskick to register for a chance to join the team, along with an Auskick mate of their choice. Eleven lucky winners have been announced bi-weekly during Seven Network’s AFL match broadcast.
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About the recruits
Name: Aliska Reitano
Grade: Two
Auskick Centre: Lane Cove Cats Auskick Centre
State: NSW
Supports: Sydney Swans
Fun Fact: Aliska’s post game ritual includes doing round offs and cartwheels in the park followed by an ice cream (two scoops if the Swans lose!).
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Name: Amelie Carey
Grade: Two
Auskick Centre: Lane Cove Cats Auskick Centre
State: NSW
Supports: Sydney Swans
Fun Fact: Her favourite player is Isaac Heeney.
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Name: Bonnie Joyce
Grade: One
Auskick Centre: Maroubra Saints Junior FC
State: NSW
Supports: Sydney Swans
Fun Fact: Bonnie is a wonderful team player. She is always positive and encourages her friends – the girls like to celebrate by doing cartwheels on the pitch when we score a goal.
Looking forward to: Handing the medals out at the grand final, meeting the team and Thursday’s dinner.
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Name: Andie Judd
Grade: One
Auskick Centre: Maroubra Saints Junior FC
State: NSW
Supports: Sydney Swans
Fun Fact: Andie loves to play in the midfield because she loves to run and run and run.
Looking forward to: To playing on the MCG with her best friend Bonnie, handing out the medals and meeting all the AFL and AFLW stars on Thursday night. She’s also excited to do a bit of shopping in Melbourne.
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