Sydney Swans at Ettalong

Two Sydney Swans players Craig Bolton and Brett Meredith visited Ettalong Public School on Wednesday, February 9, to address students at an assembly and to hold an informal training session with year 6 students.

The players encouraged students to have a healthy lifestyle and eat a good breakfast and shared their passion for AFL, demonstrating a few hand passes and kicks.

They also encouraged students to sign up with local AFL team, the Woy Woy Peninsula Swans and promoted the Swans' Red Rookie Program, which provides kids with the latest team news, training tips, competitions and the opportunity to attend three Sydney Swans home games this year.

Two of the players' greatest fans attended the assembly with their Swans shirts on.

Mathew Walkerden in Year 1 is a Member of the Swans and a regular at games.

Jonathon Newton in Year 2 plays AFL with the Woy Woy Peninsula Swans and has represented the Central Coast with other local Auskick players playing at both ANZ Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Sydney Swans also conducted a coaching clinic at Rogers Park on Monday, February 7.

Team co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, Andrejs Everitt, Paul Bevan and Luke Parker helped players with their passing skills, kicking and were available for signing.

"I was really touched with the way the players interacted with the kids," said Ettalong Public School publicity officer Ms Rowena Newton.

"They were so down to earth and very approachable.

"In one session, Andrejs Everitt noticed my four year old daughter Amelia sitting by herself picking daisies, while the older kids had a go.

"Everitt coaxed Amelia out of her shell and gently tossed the ball to her," she said.

"They were a striking pair.

"Amelia looked tiny next to the other kids and at 193 centimetres Everitt was almost a metre taller than her and must have appeared like a giant.

"It was incredibly moving to see such a skilled, professional player put himself at a child's level and be such an encouragement," said Ms Newton.

Media Release, 19 Feb 2011 Rowena Newton, Ettalong Public School