As part of the Northern Tasmania Football Association’s (NTFA) Indigenous Week, the Launceston community received a special visit from Lance Franklin and Chance Bateman who were involved in conducting a clinic for local youngsters at Aurora Stadium.

The clinic was a part of a larger celebration of recognition to highlight the importance of indigenous players involved in football throughout Tasmania and Australia. AFL Tasmania and the Northern Bombers game development team did a superb job organising the clinic for over 250 children.

It was an amazing opportunity for the Tassie youngsters to meet with their heroes up close and receive tips from two of the most skillful players in the AFL competition.

“We had a lot of indigenous heroes growing up and now we’re the ones on the stage, hopefully there are young kids watching us and wanting to be like us in the future” said Bateman.

The Hawks giveaways were a huge hit and added to the enjoyment of the kids during the day.

Hawka was also in attendance and he looked right at home in the wide open spaces of Aurora Stadium as he posed for photographs and signed autographs with the players at the conclusion of the event.


Lance Franklin and Chance Bateman teach goal-kicking


Lance Franklin spends time with a young footy supporter


The Rioli Fund for Aboriginal health is a community partner of the Hawthorn Football Club. For more information or to donated, visit their website.