NSW still home for Hawks

By James Matthey

Despite now calling Victoria home, Matt Suckling and Luke Breust haven’t forgotten where their roots lie, returning to Wagga Wagga to speak to school-kids in the region.

The two Hawks enjoyed a full schedule on the day, visiting four schools and sharing their knowledge and expertise with enthusiastic students.

As part of the day’s activities, Suckling and Breust visited Tarcutta Public School, a town that was recently devastated by bushfires. This continues a common theme for Hawthorn, who recently visited communities in Tasmania that were also affected by fires.

Over 200 students at Mater Dei Catholic College heard the players speak about the importance of balancing sport with a career, as both Suckling and Breust talked about their responsibilities as a professional athlete combined with studying for life after football.

Suckling, who faces a season on the sidelines after undergoing a knee reconstruction for a ruptured ACL, said it was great to have the opportunity to return home and give something back to the local community.

“It’s obviously a lot of fun to be able to visit the schools in your own community,” Suckling said.

“It’s always good to visit schools but even better when its home.”

The players also addressed students at Kildare Catholic College before conducting a training clinic with the Riverina Anglican College’s Carroll Cup side, putting them through their paces in a series of drills.

Luke Breust, from Temora, 80km north of Wagga Wagga, said it was fantastic to see that AFL was still strong in the region.

“It’s great to see that AFL is well and truly alive in Southern NSW.

“AFL definitely seems to be the sport of choice in the region.”

Wagga Wagga will play host to the Round 4 NEAFL match between Ainslie and the UWS GIANTS.