NORTH Melbourne stars Andrew Swallow and Hamish McIntosh made a special visit to North Melbourne Primary School on Tuesday to celebrate the start of footy season.

Victorian Premier John Brumby and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike were also on hand to encourage Victorians to wear their club colours at the first round of the AFL season this week.

The call is part of the AFL’s new Can’t Wait campaign - celebrating the start of the 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership season, which kicks off with the clash between Richmond and Carlton on Thursday.

“Our clubs play a major part in the lives of Victorians and the game continues to go from strength to strength,” Mr Brumby said.

“The Victorian government is a strong supporter of AFL football and has provided more than $210 million to support Victorian AFL clubs and the game since 2000.”

Ms Pike, a North Melbourne fan, said football was alive and well in Victoria and urged all Victorians to show their support this year.

“The Victorian government understands that supporting grassroots and elite sport is one of the keys to building stronger and more liveable communities across our state,” Ms Pike said.

“Our support is part of a vision to transform former suburban AFL venues into multi-purpose sport and recreation community hubs and our funding is allowing our Victorian clubs to be as competitive as possible in the national competition.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said anticipation was building for round one.

“We saw some of the best football ever played in 2009 and I can’t wait for the 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership season to start. I also can’t wait to see footy fans wearing their club colours this week to celebrate the return of Australia’s indigenous game,” he said.