DESPITE wearing a variety of different jerseys, junior Aussie Rules players had one thing on their mind on Monday afternoon when the Sydney Swans came to town.
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That was to meet them.
Zak Jones and Colin O'Riordan promoted the game with a visit which doubled as an impromptu registration day for the Port Macquarie Magpies.
The Swans visit to the Hastings has become an annual event which secretary Penny Black said helped to encourage junior players to pick up a Sherrin.
"A visit like this draws in the kids and sells the game which helps us get them interested in playing for us," she said.
"It's a win-win."
Black conceded Port Macquarie was "rugby territory" although visits from the Swans ensured the gap was closing between rugby league, union and football.
"Having the Swans players here enables us to hand out flyers to parents and hopefully we can sign up a few directly from it afterwards," she said.
"The Swans have been coming here for heaps of years and it gives the kids the chance to meet their heroes and get shirts or balls or anything signed. It's great for them.
"Last year the kids got to have a running race with Lewis Jetta so they remember things like that and it's a positive for the game."
Black said having competition days on separate days meant the game could continue to grow as it wasn't forcing players to choose one sport over the other.
"The good thing about Aussie Rules is that our juniors play Friday and Sunday which frees them up to play soccer on the Saturday so they don't have to sacrifice anything."
The junior competition starts on April 3 with Camden Haven hoping to re-enter the competition after 12 months.
For further information on registering for the Magpies before the start of the season visit the club's website at www.portmacquarieafl.com.au.