By PETER DOUGLAS
THERE was a smile on students’ faces as wide as the MCG on Wednesday morning, 16 February.
As part of the AFL’s commitment to fostering strong community links, Collingwood footballers Travis Cloke and Steele Sidebottom visited the Healesville High School.
They received a rock star-like welcome as they mingled and kicked the footy with a select group of Year 8 physical education students.
The students were only too keen to participate in some warm-up drills with the players, before moving in to some training drills and engaging in a question-and-answer session.
When addressing the students, Cloke was straight on the front foot.
“I play for Collingwood and I often cop flak for missing goals,” he joked.
One student asked if “you need good grades to become and AFL footballer”, to which Sidebottom answered diplomatically, “yes, you do”.
Both stars predicted big things for their club this year, after the Magpies enjoyed a strong preseason campaign in which they were undefeated.
The school’s AFL Ambassador, Kerry Davies, said she was thrilled to have such high-profile players visit.
“We’re just rapt to have Travis and Steele here today,” she said.
“It’s great the AFL continue to get behind schools and promote football at grassroots level.
“We have Hawthorn coming here next week.”
The school’s long-time physical education teacher Brian Darcy said such visits might prove the inspiration for their students to take the next step.
He said the school had many students who participated in playing football, including many girls.
Mr Darcy noted pathways were rapidly opening up for women to play in the women’s AFL.
This also includes for his daughter, Sarah, who is being widely tipped to be among the first group of females to be recruited this year for the AFL’s coming women’s competition.
“As a Richmond fan, I’m hoping Richmond gets a women’s team, so she can play for the Tigers,” he said.
