AFL legend Robert DiPierdomenico is using Ballarat as a platform to encourage youngsters to ‘bring a friend’ to Auskick this week.
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A new promotional video featuring Dipper and filmed in Ballarat launched on Monday to kick off the program’s Bring a Friend campaign.
The video has City Oval as a backdrop with Dipper popping in to visit a handful of Pleasant Street primary Auskickers last week on his way to spruiking the game in Shanghai.
Dipper had experienced playing against top Ballarat football exports and was well aware of the region’s rich football culture.
So, he said it also was an exciting prospect to visit with Ballarat set to host its first AFL premiership season game in August when reigning premier Western Bulldogs host Port Adelaide.
“It’s a great game that’ll be exciting for everybody in the AFL Goldfields to have here, in Ballarat,” Dipper said.
“It shows the pathway, and the pathway has got to start somewhere.”
Dipper said his ambassadorial role has taken him to almost every Auskick centre in the nation, including remote locations where children seemed to appear from everywhere.
But he found there was always something special about the passion of young Ballarat Auskickers.
AFL Auskick Bring a Friend Week aims to encourage more children to have fun with the game and Dipper expected to see a lot more girls getting involved in the wake of a successful AFLW season.
“Those who may not have tried the game or are unsure can come and try it,” Dipper said. “Hopefully we’ll have lots more girls signing up or bringing their sisters along. There’s a great Auskick community feel and parents find they make friends as well.”
Auskick programs have been operating for 22 years and have always been open to girls’ participation.
Ballarat also features an all-abilities Auskick for children with special needs.
Bring a Friend Week includes registration discounts for friends and equipment prizes for Auskick Centres across Victoria. For details, or to find an Auskick centre, visit aflauskick.com.au.