AFL road show receives ‘top marks’ as it hits the ‘gong

JOEL RITCHIE

THIS week will be a big one for junior AFL in the Illawarra.

Today (Thursday) the AFL’s 150th Anniversary Road Show will hit Reed Park, Dapto for a visit from about 400 Dapto Primary School students

On Friday, AFL legend and former Brownlow Medallist Robert DiPierdomenico will be at Jock Brown Oval, Barrack Heights help launch AFL Illawarra’s 2008 Auskick program.

“Dipper,” as DiPierdomenico is known, will be at Jock Brown Oval from 5pm-6.30pm to show off the skills that made him a five-time premiership winner with the Hawks and meet some of the Illawarra’s aspiring AFL stars.

All footy fans are invited to bring their friends along and have a kick with one of AFL’s greatest.

Youngsters wanting to give junior AFL a try are also welcome on the day.

AFL NSW/ACT Illawarra development manager Dave Johnson said “Dipper’s” appearance was a boon for the code.

“It’s great having “Dipper” on board; he’s an NAB AFL Auskick ambassador and has a high profile,” Johnson said.

“He’s well-known not only for his football, but his media work; the guy with the big moustache.

“Even kids know he’s a bit of a character.”

“Dipper” will also present a representative from each Illawarra junior club with a jumper for the 2008 season.

This season is shaping as a big one, with new Auskick centres opening at Port Kembla and Moss Vale and a new club, the Albion Park Crows.

Johnson said the code was happy with its progress at grass-roots level in the Illawarra.

“The Illawarra’s a great nursery for all the football codes; the talent is everywhere and I don’t think it has been tapped as well as it can be,” he said.

“We are happy with how we are going in the Illawarra, the market grows more and more competitive each year.

“We are trying to concentrate on what we do, rather than what everyone else is doing and want to co-exist.”