Over the weekend, while the rest of their teammates travelled across Tasmania, Cyril Rioli and Brendan Whitecross visited Darwin to catch up with Hawthorn’s affiliated Club, Big River Hawks and get involved in the community.
They visited Bees Creek Primary, Karama Primary and Palmerston High School to speak to students about a number of topics including the importance of attending school and living a healthy lifestyle.
During the trip Rioli and Whitecross also spent quality time with the Big River Hawks players, at a pre-match dinner on Friday night and then a beach walk before their elimination final against the Wanderers.
The boys then cheered on the Big River Hawks team at TIO stadium on Saturday to a 30 point win.
Hawthorn Football Club has supported the Big River Hawks under 18 team since its inaugural season in 2010. To play in the team all players must be either attending school, in work or training to be eligible to be selected each week.
Hawthorn Football club players and support staff have visited Darwin and the Katherine area 14 times over the years.
Preliminary Final
Big River Hawks v Buffaloes
Saturday 7 March 12.15pm (Darwin time)
TIO Stadium
Brendan Whitecross gets the kids at Karama primary organised for some footy skills
The Big River Hawks team after their win against the Wanderers
