Liam Anthony has revisited an old pastime during his week off from training by stepping onto a tennis court for the Tennis Australia Hot Shots clinic. The midfielder has been completing a work placement with the organisation as part of the AFL’s Sports Ready program.

“I grew up playing tennis so I thought it would be great to get involved with Tennis Australia,” he told kangaroos.com.au.

“I’m from Geraldton in Western Australia so I played a lot of country tennis when I was younger. I wasn’t much good but I love the sport and enjoy having a hit.”

Joined by team-mates Scott Thompson, Jamie Macmillan and Ayden Kennedy along with tennis legend John Fitzgerald, Anthony was quick to get into the swing of things with students from Flemington Primary School.

“It’s been a bit different having a few football players here to teach some tennis skills but we’ve really enjoyed the day. Scott, Ayden and Jamie have been a huge help and the kids seem to have had a lot of fun today. John Fitzgerald is here to help out with the clinic which has been fantastic.

“I’ve been working a lot with the Hot Shots program which is the tennis equivalent to AFL Auskick. It’s been great to get involved with another organisation and learn how they go about their work and community programs.”