Wheatbelt Auskicker’s moment on the big stageThursday, August 2, 2018 - 11:34 AM

Corrigin Auskicker Drew Hall was the envy of all Auskickers last weekend when he was announced the eighteenth weekly nominee for the 2018 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition at the Round 19 AFL clash between Essendon and the Sydney Swans.

The 11-year-old Geelong fan said he enjoyed every minute of his experience at the Friday night game at Etihad Stadium, especially his interview with Seven Sport’s Hamish McLachlan.

“It was so exciting being at the game and I really enjoyed being interviewed by Hamish,” he said.


“Hamish also introduced me to Cameron Mooney and Steve Hocking which was pretty cool!”

Drew will also have the seriously amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present an AFL premiership player with their medal on Toyota AFL Grand Final Day.

He will join 21 other lucky NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year weekly nominees in Melbourne for an unforgettable experience that will also include walking along in the incredible Grand Final parade and playing on the hallowed turf of the MCG at half-time on Grand Final day.

His mum Linda said he wanted to enter the competition as he loved the idea of being involved in the AFL Grand Final.

“He is always on the Auskick website and when he saw the competition he wanted to enter his video straight away,” she said.
“He wrote down what he wanted to say, practised a few times and then I videoed him, uploaded it and filled in a few questions. The application process was super simple.”

It has really been a dream come true for the country youngster whose love for the game started at the tender age of four.

“When he was four he would sit glued to the TV watching his beloved team Geelong,” Linda said.

“He’s been interested in footy and wanted to learn how to play from a very young age so he joined Auskick when he was in pre-primary. His bedroom is full of Geelong posters, Geelong jumpers and memorabilia.”

Drew said when he grows up he wants to play just like Joel Selwood – his number one footy idol.

“I really like Joel Selwood because he is a good midfielder and I also think tom Hawkins is a great player because of his goal-kicking ability,” he said.

“I also think Tim Kelly and Quinton Narkle are amazing players.”

His mum said Drew’s involvement in Auskick has helped him develop strong coordination and social skills.

“Drew's always been active and football helps keep him fit as well as develop his coordination. Drew goes to a very small school of 15 students so going to Auskick gives him the opportunity to make friends and mix with children in the larger community of Corrigin.”