Players, supporters and members at Shepparton Swans Football Netball Club had two reasons to smile at training on Thursday night.
The first came when Swans product and Adelaide emerging star Josh Rachele rocked up to take junior football drills.
The second came inside the packed clubrooms when NAB Goulburn Murray senior business banking manager Cameron Hammond and NAB Goulburn Valley regional executive Dave Davies presented the club the NAB Club Recognition Award.
Brand new football equipment, tallying $1500, as well as $1000 cash was handed to the club as part of the award.
And Rachele, 19, is the reason why the Swans received the support from NAB.
The electric forward was the round four NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for his breakout performance against Essendon.
Rachele, who was taken with pick six in last year’s draft, booted three goals and gathered 19 disposals for the Crows — a performance that has benefited his junior club.
Rachele was home to take junior football training at Princess Park — thanks to Adelaide’s bye week — and was in attendance to witness NAB hand the Swans the club recognition award.
Even if it did catch him by surprise.
“The goal coming in was just to have a run around at training. I didn’t know they were doing this, so to do all this is a bonus and to see all the smiles on people’s faces is great,” Rachele said.
“It was pretty overwhelming to see all the kids’ faces light up when they saw me.
“Coming back and giving back is something that I pride myself on, so it was good to see my mates and see everyone I used to run around with. It was a good experience.
“A lot of local clubs, especially after COVID are struggling with finances and things like that, so just these little things like brand new footballs and gear really helps and I think it makes a big impact (for clubs) when you get a thousand dollars in the bank account.”
Swans president Jarrod Sutherland thanked NAB for its contribution and Rachele’s brilliance earlier in the season.
“Obviously this wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for NAB, as well as Josh’s performance in round four,” Sutherland said.
“We’re really grateful to NAB for the donation of money and football equipment. The club appreciates the support.
“We’re really proud of everything Josh has achieved to date and it was fantastic to see him down here tonight. I think that speaks volumes of the type of person he is.”