Hawthorn Football Club played host to six kids from regional communities in Katherine NT as part of the AFL Auskick Kickstart Exchange program.

The youngsters travelled from the areas of Jilkminggan and Mataranka and had a full schedule spanning six days.

Their week was jam-packed with activities including a Monster Pie night, a day at Hawthorn West Primary School, a trip to Melbourne Zoo, a visit of  MSAC followed by the Hawks' match at the MCG on Sunday.

Rosscyrus, a shy eight-year-old budding footballer, anticipated a trip to the zoo the most.

“I like Melbourne. We’re going to the zoo today.”

The KickStart Indigenous Program has been specifically designed to use football as a vehicle to promote awareness in participation, health, education and employment within Indigenous communities.

The children are taught the values of a healthy lifestyle and education through football activities and influences from indigenous AFL players.

Hawthorn’s Indigenous Ambassador Shaun Burgoyne had quite an effect on the kids during a tour of Waverley Park.

“I like Shaun. He’s from Darwin. He is going to have a kick with us today,” Rosscyrus said, while donning his new PUMA gold football boots that were donated to the kids by the Club.

The trip came as quite a culture change for the youngsters, and while his time in Melbourne was fun, Rosscyrus was missing home.

“It’s cold. The city is big. So many cars. So many people.”

The Hawks have an ongoing relationship with the Katherine region in which the Hawks travel there three times a year, find out more.


Hawthorn's Indigenous Ambassador Shaun Burgoyne with a couple of the Kickstart Exchange kids at the Monster Pie night.


The Kickstart Exchange kids with the 2008 premiership cup.