Grand Final experience of a lifetime for Auskickers
New South Wales youngsters Ella Eagleton, Zach Lambert and Lincoln Summons had the experience of a lifetime at the 2015 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
The trio were accompanied by 19 additional lucky NAB AFL Auskickers in Melbourne for an unforgettable experience that included walking in the 2015 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade and playing on the hallowed turf of the MCG on the day of football’s Holy Grail.
Ella, 7, was the envy of all her friends after presenting a Premiership medal to an AFL player from the winning team on Grand Final day in the middle of the MCG.
The Willoughby Wildcats star scored five goals during an Auskick match played at the half-time break of the Swans’ win against Carlton in round 9.
“I started Auskick this year and I love it, I like to play in the Mids. I like Aussie rules because everybody gets to touch the ball and keeps me fit,” said Ella.
Ella Eagleton during the 2015 AFL Round 09 match between the Sydney Swans and the Carlton Blues at the SCG, Sydney on May 29, 2015. (Photo: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media)
Round 13 marked the half way point of the season, it also saw Zach Lambert from Thurgoona nominated for Auskicker of the year.
The 7-year-old is completely devoted to his footy. His Dad is a coach and Zach attends almost every training session and practices his footy every day.
The Thurgoona youngster played on the sacred SCG turf on the first time he had even visited the stadium at half time in the Swans round 13 clash against the tigers. He spoke of what he would do if he had won the $5000 prize money, “I would buy lots of Lego!”
Zach who hails from a town of just six thousand people, was blessed to travel to the 2015 AFL grand final to play on the MCG in front of hundreds of thousands of people and to present Isaac Smith with his premiership medal.
Above: Lincoln (left) and Zach (right) before the 2015 AFL grand Final
The last player from New South Wales to be nominated for Auskicker of the year was Lincoln Summons from Hill Kellyville Magpies.
Lincoln, eight, has been playing NAB AFL Auskick since 2013. In that time his skill level has greatly improved, as has his love for the Giants and all things AFL. During footy season, he took Jeremy Cameron to ‘show and tell’ after meeting the superstar at a Gala Day in Blacktown.
GWS GIANTS star Jeremy Cameron gave this Auskicker a show and tell thrill.
During round 20 this year the Western Sydney local had kick to kick with 800 goal great Matthew Richardson. When asked what he would spend the money on if he won, the youngster suggested the was going to buy a “Lambo or Ferrari”
To be an Auskicker of the Year nominee and to present a premiership medal to Luke Breust is an unforgettable experience for a child who has the belief and determination that he will grow up to play for the Giants one day. He says he loves footy to participate in teamwork.
Registrations to play NAB AFL Auskick in 2016 will open soon. Go to the official website to sign up.
