The Demons were welcomed with open arms as they visited Seymour on Monday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 13.
The full cohort of Melbourne Football Club players and a large selection of AFLW players were welcomed by flocks of children and their parents at Kings Park Reserve on the Monday afternoon.
The AFL players had held an open training session in Yea during the morning and ran a clinic for Auskick players in Seymour in the afternoon.
AFLW forward Kate Hore and AFL forward Alex Neal-Bullen said it was a pleasure to be on the road and receiving great support.
“It’s great getting out. We haven’t done too much of it; over COVID, it stopped for a couple of years,” Hore said.
“But, getting out into the countryside, it’s beautiful seeing all these kids, a couple with Dees jumpers.
“It’s great to get out here and spread footy across the community.”
“And for me, it just reminds me of what it was like when you were a young fellow, a young kid going to school and looking up to AFL footy,” Neal-Bullen said.
“Just a nice reminder that these kids don’t often see AFL footballers, so it’s always a joy to come out here.
“We’re starting to see some more kids in Dees jerseys now, which is really exciting.
“It just proves to us that we’re doing some good things at this footy club.
“I’m from Adelaide ... some people call it a big country town.
“Probably some friends that I’ve grown up with at the Dees who come from the country, you can see when they get into the hustle and bustle of the city it can be quite intimidating.
“So to come out here, it’s a breath of fresh air, and you appreciate the energy that the kids bring.”
On Tuesday, a number of players visited Seymour Health to talk to patients, members of staff and help flip pancakes for Shrove Tuesday.
Seymour Health consumer and staff engagement co-ordinator Sue Jobling said the visit brought joy to everyone at the facility.
“They (the players) were chatting with everyone; a couple were drawing pictures with them. They were all very engaging,” Jobling said.
“They all posed for a photo, and the oldies all really loved that.”
Jobling gave special mention to Clayton Oliver, who helped steady one of the older patients who was desperate to get the photo with the players.
The engagement the players showed was second to none, according to Jobling.