The Team Swans bus was out on the road again, with the Swans’ injured trio Leo Barry, Michael O’Loughlin and Patrick Veszpremi running an AFL World clinic in the middle of Bondi Junction shopping centre.
It was a scene of fun and excitement as kids packed into the mall to try their attempts at kicking a 50-metre screamer in a virtual kicking game.
With the ball in hand, and a screen in front showing a player on the mark, participants had to kick the sherrin as accurately and as hard as they could against the virtual screen. The game would judge the firmness and precision of the kick and justly award a goal or a point – even an out on the full for those who lack the finesse.
It was a great simulation game and a real chance for kids to emulate dreams of kicking that winning goal in the grand final. To assist the kids, the Swans players were side by side to offer advice on kicking techniques.
The virtual kicking game was not the only one of its kind on offer at AFL World. For those who felt their kicking was not up to scratch, or perhaps wanted to show off their skills by hand, there was a handballing drill where participants aimed for a target and were given points for their accuracy.
And for those wishing to sit back, relax and to throw their feet on the coach – they could – with comfy couches in the best view to watch clippings of Swans history on a large cinema screen.
There was even a computer booth where people could surf the internet or even play the latest version of the video game AFL Live.
For parent of two Bernadette Brown, she said it means a lot to her kids to get up close and personal with the players.
“They like it. It’s good for the kids and it’s a different environment too,” she said.
“They love seeing these guys. My son when he saw him (the Swans players) he said mum I’ve got to go down there, they’re here. I think it’s good, really, really good.”
