JOINING a capacity crowd at the MCG in Melbourne was a highlight for a group of 21 very excited young men and eight accompanying adults from King Island last weekend.
The group left for Melbourne on Friday, August 11 and headed straight to the MCG to watch the Collingwood vs Geelong game.
This was a highlight for 10 of the lads and one adult who had never been to an AFL game, let alone to the MCG with a capacity crowd.
It was so special that they got to experience this for the first time.
On Saturday morning we all headed to Punt Road (home of the Richmond Tigers) to watch their captain’s training run.
There were autographs, chats with the players, even a kick on the training ground and a visit to the players’ rooms.
Big thanks to Trevor Hamer and his contacts for making this happen.
Then it was off to play ten-pin bowling and laser tag – with Andrew Smith coming away with Best on Ground.
On Saturday evening we were back to the MCG to watch the Carlton vs Melbourne game.
We had amazing seats on the third row right behind the goals.
The lads joined in with the crowds’ friendly banter which was great fun.
That night we were also part of celebrations at the MCG when the Matilda’s beat France in the world cup.
The roar of the crowd was amazing.
On Sunday some of the group headed off to do the MCG tour, which included the members’ area, media room, commentators’ area, coaches’ box and boundary.
A highlight was singing the Currie theme song in the Melbourne rooms.
They say that teenage boys eat a lot, but wow did these guys eat, even ordering Uber Eats after midnight.
We returned with our bags full of footballs, lifelong memories and friends.
We would like to thank:
Waverley Station
King Island Bakery
King Island Car Rental
Currie Football & Netball Club
North Football & Netball Club
King Island Motorcycles
M & A Poulsens
T & T Hennessy Yard & Tree Specialists
J Jones & G Lee
Easternline Shipping
Bronzewing Villas
Nubco
Hobart Power Sports
Peter Stevens Geelong
Sherco Australia
King Island Stockfeeds
King Island Foodworks
All the kind donations from King Island community members.