The Western Bulldogs playing group went back to their roots over the weekend and enjoyed footy at its most basic for the Community Football Weekend.
More than 20 Bulldogs headed off far and wide to check out local footy matches across Victoria and Australia as part of the 150 Years of Australian Football celebrations.
Bulldogs Captain Brad Johnson said the players had been looking forward to getting back to where their football careers began with many of the players would be returning to their former community clubs.
Matthew Boyd who returned to Mazenod Old Collegians said the day had been a blast from the past.
“This is what footy is all about with the cars parked right up by the oval, the pies and hot coffee and the real country atmosphere. It’s great to hang out and see people you knew from years ago as well,” he said.
Tim Callan returned to St Josephs in Geelong for the day and said it was like coming home to see old friends.
“There’s always a relaxed atmosphere at junior and local footy clubs. This weekend was a great way for us to say thank you to the clubs that launched our careers; no player would be in the position they are in without their community footy club.”
Community football is the heart and soul of our game. In 2007 more than 600,000 people played Australian Football and many more coached, umpired, officiated, volunteered and supported our game at all levels.
Those players not able to attend a game at their old club visited clubs in the western region of Melbourne with players attending pre-game luncheons and assisting with motivational talks to the players.
Jason Akermanis visited the Victoria Metro v Victoria country match in Preston where he did the coin toss and spoke at the VIP women’s luncheon.
“Women play an important role in both community football and AFL so it was a pleasure to get out to see the game. They are just as committed and driven as the guys. As a father of a little girl it is nice to know that if she wants to play footy she can,” he said.
