Roleystone Tiger nominated for Auskicker of the Year

“I got to meet Lingy and give Hamish a don’t argue!”

Seven-year-old Trigger Dunn was the envy of all Auskickers last Friday when he was announced the ninth weekly nominee for the 2018 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition at the match between Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.

Lucky little Trigger said it was an amazing experience and one he’ll never forget.

“It was so good, especially because Adelaide won!” he said.

“I got to be in the commentary box during the game. I want to be a commentator when I’m older but I’m going to be an AFL football player first.”

Trigger has been involved in Auskick for three years at Roleystone Junior Football Club and absolutely loves it – his mum Carly can vouch for that!

“Trigg is into many sports, but absolutely lives and breathes footy,” she said.

“He even sleeps with a footy and really wanted to play Auskick so he could hang out with his mates and have fun.”

Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett is Trigger’s favourite AFL player but he also likes Western Bulldogs star Caleb Daniel because he’s the smallest player in the competition, much like Trigger who is the smallest on his footy team.

Carly said applying for the Auskicker of the Year competition was a breeze and Trigger’s response when he found out he’d been selected was priceless.

“Applying for the Auskicker of the Year competition was easy, we did it all online. Trigg’s sister Eleanor helped him make his video clip submission,” she said.

“Trigger couldn’t stop giggling when he found out he’d been selected, he was very excited.

“I don’t think he believed it to start with and he didn’t sleep much that night.”

Trigger will have the seriously amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present an AFL premiership player with their medal on AFL Grand Final day.

He will join 21 other lucky NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year weekly nominees in Melbourne for an unforgettable experience that will also include walking along in the incredible Grand Final parade and playing on the hallowed turf of the MCG at half-time on Grand Final day.

It only gets better for Trigg too, as he now has the chance to be crowned the overall NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year which will be announced at an awards dinner in Melbourne during Grand Final Week.

Having been Team Manager of Trigger’s Auskick team, his mum Carly appreciates the importance of kids being involved in team sports like footy.

“Football helps him develop good sportsmanship, discipline and commitment,” Carly said.

“As well as promoting healthy brain development and general fitness and strength, being involved in a sports club environment also gives children the opportunity to grow confidence, comradeship and have a lot of fun along the way through the friendships they build.

“Trigg is an outgoing, funny, sporty, fit little guy. He’s an amazing artist and is doing great in all areas at school, and I believe all of the above has a lot to do with being involved in footy.”