Now, thanks to the efforts of AFL Victoria and Merrifield resident’s Auskick co-ordinator Glenn Herring, the kids of Merrifield have taken what they’ve learnt to the MCG as part of Auskick’s Half Time Game Program. The Merrifield Auskick team played on the same ground as their heroes in front of 40,000 people, between Essendon and Geelong, held on Saturday 19 May at the MCG.

Mark Morgan from AFL Victoria shares how it all came about. ‘The Merrifield Auskick Centre is within what is considered an AFL Victoria Development Region. There are a few around the state of Victoria, and they’re allocated a certain number of half-time games based on participation numbers.’

To encourage participation and build the sort of regional pathways that have always been the lifeblood of the sport, expressions of interest are sent from AFL Victoria to the various Auskick centres. ‘Once all the EOIs have been sent back, allocations are divided as evenly as possible between regions to ensure everyone gets the best chance at playing,’ says Mark.

Merrifield’s region is especially fortunate. ‘Our area was allocated the entire game,’ says Glenn. And given the amount of Auskick participants in Victoria far outweighs the number of opportunities available, it’s a real break for the young players of the region. ‘The AFL requested expressions of interest from all centres. We’re very fortunate to have been granted this opportunity.’

‘Our region will have 40 kids participating in the main ‘Rules Game’ of which Merrifield Auskick Centre will be a part of with10 kids’ explains Glenn. ‘The advantage of this will be to keep the participants involved in the program longer. Staying involved in team sports has tangible rewards extending beyond just fitness benefits.’

It also helps establish Merrifield Auskick program as a credible team with a long-term future. ‘We’ve received some amazing support from the Merrifield developers, MAB and GPC and we hope it will prosper for many years to come’, Glenn observes.

‘We’ve grown from 20-30 participants in the recent season, and this growth will continue as Merrifield develops. It’s a great common ground for residents of all cultural backgrounds and for the community to come together on a regular basis.’

‘Just imagine for a moment, being only ten years old and playing at half-time of an AFL game on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. How exciting would that be?’