Left: Pakenham’s Michael Blackmore has won a competition to play footy at the MCG on grand final day. 21643 By Paul Pickering
ONE Pakenham youngster will realise every footy fan’s dream next month when he runs out onto the Melbourne Cricket Ground on grand final day.
Michael Blackmore, 8, has won the opportunity to play at halftime of the grand final as part an AFL Auskick competition.
Every Auskick participant in Australia went into the draw and one winner was selected from each of the 94 regions across the country.
And if the chance to have a kick on the hallowed turf at halftime wasn’t enough, Michael will also be involved in the grand final parade and the pre-match entertainment – as well as getting a seat for the big game.
Michael, who plays for the Pakenham Lions under-9’s, last week said he was excited to strut his stuff on football’s biggest stage.
The passionate Richmond fan lists Brett Delidio and Matthew Richardson as his favourite players, so he is hoping the Tigers can make an unlikely run to the grand final.
Michael’s parents are now deciding who will get to accompany him on that ‘one day in September.’
“Everyone keeps telling us how jealous they are,” his mum, Shellie, said.
Meanwhile, Michael is hoping to be one of the Auskick kids chosen to present the premiership medals to the winning team.
All the competition winners have been asked to write down what they love about Auskick, and 22 lucky kids will share a memorable moment with one of their AFL heroes.
