DAY ONE OF THE Australia Post AFL Community Camp in the City of Casey got off to a flying start yesterday, with the players running a range of activities across schools and football clubs.

Sixteen schools were visited by groups of players who ran Read Like a Demon sessions, encouraging students to read and write. Of course, there was always enough time to answer the big questions like “Do you have a girlfriend?” at the end of the sessions.

In the afternoon, students from Cranbourne East Primary School and Courtenay Gardens Primary School couldn’t believe their luck when their lollipop lady/man had been replaced by AFL footballers. Players such as Mark Jamar and Mitch Clark assisted children to cross the road safely. Even the parents couldn’t believe who the new lollipop men were!

Jordie McKenzie said, “Day one of Community Camp was a big success out here in the City of Casey. It’s great to be able to get into the schools and to have students recognise us from previous visits. Building long term relationships with these students is a key to the success of our 30 year partnership in the City of Casey.”

AFL multicultural ambassador David Rodan, along with several other players, hosted a multicultural clinic where ‘D-Rod’ not only shared his football skills but his dancing skills as well. It’s still undecided if he won the dance off challenge against a clinic participant.

In the evening, assistant coaches Jade Rawlings, Paul Satterley and Brian Royal hosted a coaching information session at the Pakenham Football Club, where local coaches had the opportunity to soak up some knowledge from our experienced coaches.

Day two of the Australia Post AFL Community Camp will be held on Friday 15 February at Casey Fields, where match simulation will take place from 9 am, followed by an Auskick Superclinic for local schools.