Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants defender Matt Buntine dropped into Eden and Pambula Thursday morning as part of the AFL’s community camps initiative.
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AFL community camps see members of all 18 clubs visit metropolitan and regional areas in an attempt to build stronger links between AFL and the community.
“It is great for kids to see players,” Mr Buntine said. “They look up to us as role models. It’s great to be able to inspire them and instil a love of the game.”
Accompanied by Ally Crowe from AFL Auskick, Mr Buntine spent the morning with Con Zurcas and staff from the Eden Motor Group before kicking the footy with pupils at Eden Public School and Eden Marine High School.
Mr Zurcas is an avid AFL fan and is also the proud sponsor of the Eden Whalers. He enjoyed chatting with Mr Buntine before presenting him and Ms Crowe with a courtesy car to assist their travels in the area.
“This is great for the community and for AFL in the area,” Mr Zurcas said.
Mr Buntine and Ms Crowe then stopped at Eden Public School, much to the delight of Year 1 and 2 pupils and teachers.
Mr Buntine instructed the pupils on how to orchestrate the perfect hand-pass and drop punt. He spend time talking with and instructing individual children and politely redirected questions about sister code the NRL. He also graciously posed for photos with young fans.
Mr Buntine and Ms Crowe also visited Lumen Christi College in Pambula and Pambula Public School.