Junior footy fans from across Tasmania descended upon the home of the Tassie Hawks, Aurora Stadium, on Saturday 18 June for the second annual McDonald’s Mighty Tassie Footy Trip.

The 100-strong team of die-hard footy fans, all aged between eight and 13, were bussed-in from various McDonald’s locations across the state to make their major stadium debut in a footy skills clinic led by former Hawks champion Daniel Harford. 

Harford used his 10 years of experience at Hawthorn to share insider tips on perfecting handballing, kicking and tackling.

The clinic was followed by each of the 100 footy fans settling into reserved seats to watch the Hawks’ Round 13 clash against another team making their Aurora Stadium debut, the Gold Coast Suns. 

“The sun was shining, the kids were cheering and the Hawks stormed to victory over the Gold Coast Suns - the day could not have gotten any better,” Harford said.

McDonald’s Tasmania licensee Andrew Gilbertson was thrilled that McDonald’s could offer Tassie kids the opportunity to have a true Aussie rules experience at Aurora Stadium.

“We are committed to supporting the aspirations of junior footy fans in Tasmania and the McDonald’s Mighty Tassie Footy Trip was a fantastic way to encourage children to develop essential skills, whilst teaching them the importance of sportsmanship,” concluded Mr Gilbertson.

The successful entrants were required to submit in 25 words or less why they should win a place on the McDonald’s Mighty Tassie Footy Trip. The competition ran in participating McDonald’s restaurants.


The 100-strong crowd of kids enjoy kicking and handballing drills on Aurora Stadium.

The kids show their excitement at being selected for the McDonald’s Mighty Tassie Footy Trip.