Pilbara kids play at Optus Stadium during Sir Doug Nicholls RoundTuesday, May 30, 2023 - 10:00 AM

For 23 Pilbara kids and their families, Saturday night football at Optus Stadium was an electrifying night.

As part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round and with the support of Rio Tinto, 23 NAB AFL Auskick participants and their families were given the chance to run onto Optus Stadium at half time and play footy.

Vicki Agnew, WAFC's Regional Football Specialist - Pilbara, said this was a moment both participants and families will remember for years to come.

“What an opportunity for our players to travel from Karratha and Tom Price and play football in front of thousands of fans,” she said.

“This could not have happened without the support for Rio Tinto and I’m so happy the participants and their kids could share this moment.

“I think the parents were more excited to run onto Optus Stadium than the kids! It was such a terrific night.”

The night started with participants and their families watching the Eagles v Essendon game from their seats in the stands, before going into the AFL players changerooms, where they trained like their favourite footballer, before running onto Optus Stadium, where some were lucky to kick goals.

The participants all came off the oval with huge smiles on their faces. Karratha participant PJ Willock said: “There were 1000’s of fans watching us, I loved playing on Optus Stadium.”

Participants travelled from Karratha and Tom Price.