The kids at Rochester Primary School got some expert instruction from the North Melbourne AFL squad. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
The AFL stars were out this week as the North Melbourne Football Club rolled into town.
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The Roos toured the region as part of the AFL’s off-season community camps program, which has more than 700 AFL players ‘engage with fans, celebrate community heroes and inspire the next generation’ each year.
Ava Rasmussen drops it on the boot.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
North Melbourne arrived in town in the late morning, starting its visit to the region at Moama Beach, where a Welcome to Country was held by Uncle Col Walker.
Matt Whitlock, a 2024 draftee, presented Uncle Col with a Kangaroos Indigenous jersey after the smoking ceremony.
The Roos divided to conquer the region on Tuesday afternoon, players visiting five Echuca-Moama schools: Moama Anglican Grammar, St Joseph’s College, Echuca Primary, Twin Rivers Specialist School and Moama Public for sessions with students.
Tom Lothian practices his technique.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
An Auskick/Superkick clinic followed at Jack Eddy Oval at Moama, before the AFL squad was back on the school beat on Wednesday morning, visiting Rochester, Kyabram, Tongala and surrounds.
Rochester Primary School was in the spotlight from 10-10.45am, and St Joseph’s Rochester had their taste of AFL action from 11.30am-12.15pm.
The Roos stars gather the students for a new drill.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Shepparton Bears junior Whitlock is no stranger to the area, visiting with family before linking up with his teammates for the camp.
“I think it's so special for the community,” Whitlock said of the community camps.
“I remember when I was just a little kid, and you got the AFL teams coming down, and it was one of your favourite days of the year.
“Now being the player, it's so special for the kids, I know how much it means to everyone and the community as well.”
Sophie Godden works on her game.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Whitlock was even closer to home last year, as the Roos’ community camp took them to Shepparton, but it’s a different feeling for the North Melbourne tall heading into his sophomore year.
“I feel like your first year, you’re just trying to find your feet, but now being in year two, being able to form some bonds with a few of the boys, these camps are always good for that sort of stuff,” he said.
Campaspe News photographer Jordan Townrow took some snaps at Rochester PS, one of the stops for the North Melbourne squad on their tour of the region.
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