AFLW Hawks lead by example

BASS Coast Shire and Hawthorn Football Club partnered together to bring a Footy 4 Fun program to Inverloch on Saturday, July 23.

The AFLW Hawthorn team shared their stories and skills on the grounds of Inverloch recreation reserve. 

More than 100 children aged between six to 14-years registered to partake in the footy clinic; rotating around four stations to learn the basics in kicking, handballing and marking followed by a warmup game to practice the critical skills. 

In attendance was AFLW Hawks defender Louise Stephenson who began her AFL career seven years ago with the GWS Giants; known for her running ability she spoke one on one with the children to share her tips and tricks for on the field.  

“It is great to be able to get out on the ground with the kids, today we met some that have never played football before and we were able to teach them the basics and show them what they can achieve,” said Louise.

Dominque Carbone is a new season player for Hawthorn, who said she fell in love with the professionalism of the game and was thrilled to share her journey from the VFLW through to her first season with the AFLW.  

“Sharing our experiences with the young local players is as rewarding for them as well as it is for the whole team, it’s great for team bonding and it gave us the opportunity to give back to the community and empower young girls in grassroot clubs,” said Dominique. 

The whole AFLW Hawthorn team took the time to introduce themselves to the kids and spend an hour on drills, before meeting them inside the Inverloch club rooms to sign autographs. 

Assistant coordinator for Inverloch Auskick Rod Price said our club offers both boy and girl programs as well as combined groups, so opportunities like this just reinforces to our girls that there are pathways to achieve their goals. 

“At Inverloch we have 143 registered Auskick players and these numbers are a testament to the healthy program we have available for all children aged four to 12 years,” said Rod. 

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie attended the Footy 4 Fun event on Saturday morning and was thrilled to see the level of participation from the community, including those that haven’t played football before.

“Our partnership with Hawthorn Football Club was established as an initiative to encourage participation and create an introduction into AFL, as well as support gender equality in sport; this morning’s community clinic was just the beginning of a great future for the children in Bass Coast,” said Ms Wastie.

For more information on how to be a part of AFL Auskick, visit www.aflvic.com.au/auskick