Smith was a star in the Swans’ victory against the highly-favoured Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG last September and did a great job containing Hawks’ dangerman, Cyril Rioli.
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Now it’s his turn to spread the word about that victory and the intricacies of the game at Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Kempsey.
Joining Smith will be senior list players Andrejs Everitt, Alex Brown and rookie list player Dane Rampe.
They will visit primary schools throughout the region next Monday and Tuesday.
But everybody has the chance to meet the players and watch their kids train with them at two afternoon clinics.
On Monday (February 18), all four players will visit Wayne Richards Park for a free AFL clinic which will also double as an opportunity for local players to sign up for Port Macquarie and Wauchope clubs.
The clinic will run from 4.30pm to 6pm and no registrations are required.
On the Tuesday evening (February 19), Smith and Brown will visit Laurieton Oval for a clinic from 4pm to 5pm which will also double as a registration session for the Camden Haven Bombers.
The other two Swans will visit South Kempsey Oval on the Tuesday night for a similar free clinic from 3.15pm to 4.30pm where young players can sign up for the Macleay Valley Eagles.
Local AFL development officer, Rachel Lowe, said it represented a great opportunity to rub shoulders with members of the premiership-winning club.
“All four of the Swans are very approachable and great ambassadors for the code,” she said.
“What better advertisement for the game could you get than last year’s grand final and we are hoping our young players, and those looking to give AFL a try, might get an insight into what it takes to play this great game.”
Auskick players can join a club from the age of five, while junior Australian rules can be played in the age groups under 12s, 14s and 16s in Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Wauchope and Kempsey.
In both Port and Camden Haven, players can also participate in the under 18 and senior divisions.
Local junior football is played within a 30-minute radius of Port Macquarie on Sundays, meaning little travel.
“The North Coast AFL board has been working with all centres at making sure the game can grow and as many people as possible can enjoy the benefits of Australian rules,” North Coast AFL Board chairman Gordon Wiegold said.
“We urge people not only to bring their kids along for a kick, but to get involved themselves as umpires, boundary runners, volunteer helpers or even our non-contact version of the game, AFL9s. It’s all about having fun.”
Both the senior and junior Australian rules codes will get under way in April (or the first week of May) pending confirmation of the draws.
To find out more about the Swans’ visit or getting involved with your local clubs, contact Rachel Lowe on 0457 389 504 or mnc.development@aflnswact.com.au