Auskickers’ memorable AFL Grand Final experience

Three West Australian Auskickers experienced a once-in-a-lifetime three-day opportunity in the lead up to the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.

Elijah Ihanimo (Piara Waters), Poppy Beekhuizen (East Fremantle) and Charlotte Ferguson (Brookton) were selected as 2017 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year nominees among 19 other Auskickers.

On Day 1 the Auskickers attended the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year Awards Dinner and got to meet their footy heroes before the overall winner of the 2017 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year was announced.

Zara Winterton from Victoria was crowned the winner and received $5,000 from NAB and Joel Selwood as her footy mentor.

The group got to walk the AFL Grand Final parade on Day 2 in front of a record crowd and the following day they took to the hallowed turf of the MCG during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final and played half-time grid games in front of 100,000 footy fans!

At the end of the big clash the lucky Auskickers presented the Richmond Premiership players with their medals.

Elijah Ihanimo – Age 6
NAB AFL Auskick Centre: Piara Waters, WA
Favourite AFL Club: West Coast Eagles
Favourite AFL Player: Josh Kennedy
Presented the 2017 Premiership Medal to Jack Graham

Poppy Beekhuizen – Age 7
NAB AFL Auskick Centre: East Fremantle, WA
Favourite AFL Club: West Coast Eagles
Favourite AFL Player: Josh Kennedy / Daisy Pearce
Presented the 2017 Premiership Medal to Kamdyn McIntosh

Charlotte Ferguson – Age 6
NAB AFL Auskick Centre: Brookton, WA
Favourite AFL Club: GWS GIANTS
Favourite AFL Player: Toby Greene
Presented the 2017 Premiership Medal to Alex Rance