By Hayley Hinze
The 22 lucky NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year nominees will travel to Melbourne this week for an unforgettable three-day AFL experience.
Queensland’s Lafari Vine and Max Monaghan will be amongst the young players nominated for the 2019 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year.
Held from September 26-28, the Grand Final experience will see these nominees walk in the AFL Grand Final Parade, play on the hallowed MCG turf during half time of the Toyota AFL Grand Final, and present the Premiers with their medals.
Their cameo on football’s grandest stage won’t be the lone Queensland appearance at half time either, with AFL Queensland Brisbane Juniors Best First Year Umpire, Mile Maclennan, selected by the AFL to officiate the game.
Maclennan will also take part in the Grand Final Parade.
From Bribie Island, 8 year old Lafari will get to see her favourite team Richmond play in a Grand Final, while 6 year old Max will travel from Calamvale to play under the big lights of the MCG.
The AusKicker of the Year will be announced at an award night, where the winner will receive $5000 in a NAB Reward Saver Account and have Geelong Football Club captain Joel Selwood and AFLW star Kate Brennan as their personal footy mentors for 2020.
The competition celebrates the passion and dedication of thousands of children who attend NAB AFL Auskick centres across Australia every weekend.
AFL General Manager of Growth, Digital and Audience Darren Birch said that it was terrific to be able to provide a number if NAB AFL Auskickers with an experience they will never forget.
“The NAB AFL Auskick program is one of the best, first introductions a child has with Australian Football, and we are thrilled to recognise the littlest champions who ignite a passion for the game through the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition,” Mr Birch said.
The two Queensland nominees were selected individually in Rounds 12 and 21, and will join an additional 20 Auskickers from around Australia.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 07: during the 2019 AFL round 12 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)
Round 12
Lafari Vine
Age 8
NAB AFL Auskick Centre: Bribie Island, QLD
Favourite AFL Club: Richmond
Favourite AFL Player: Dustin Martin
Round 21
Max Monaghan
Age 6
NAB AFL Auskick Centre: Calamvale Leopard, QLD
Favourite AFL Club: Sydney Swans
Favourite AFL Player: Isaac Heeney
