Hawthorn Football Club travelled to Katherine for the third time in 2011 to participate in various community activities and initiatives within the region.

Players who participated in the 2011 trip included indigenous ambassador Shaun Burgoyne, along with youngsters Angus Litherland and Derick Wanganeen.

The trip began with a visit to the Katherine Showgrounds to partake in a superclinic, with many kids from surrounding areas eager to learn new skills and play some footy.

Indigenous Hip Hop Projects put on a great performance and workshop for all of the kids after the clinic.

From there, the Hawks' crew headed to Katherine High School to speak to a group of teenage boys about the importance of leadership and working hard to achieve a goal, such as playing professional football.

Day two started with a trip out to Beswick, a small community about an hour's drive from Katherine.

Shaun, Derick and Angus played kick-to-kick in the park with the local kids who were extremely excited to see them. During this time, Shaun and Derick visited Wugularr School to catch up with the kids who participated in the AusKick exchange during 2010/2011.

On the way back to Katherine, the group dropped into McFarlane Primary School to meet with kids who had participated in a Skype session earlier in the year with Shaun. The boys also went into some of the classrooms to participate in various activities.

Finishing off the day, the players ran a training session for our affiliated club - the Big River Hawks - to give them some helpful tips and game plans to help them to improve their skills.

Day three began with a flight out to a small community called Lajamanu, approximately a one hour flight away from Katherine. The group visited the local school to be involved in a reading session with the kids and to perform a clinic to give them some helpful pointers.

The crew then departed Lajamanu, bound for Darwin. After landing, the group travelled to Nightcliff Football Club to run a training session and talk to the players about their journey to becoming an AFL footballer. Indigenous Hip Hop Projects attended putting on a great show for everyone at the conclusion of the training session.

The final day of the trip saw Angus attend the Big River Hawks match at TIO Stadium. The Big River Hawks put on a great performance, convincingly defeating Nightcliff Football Club. Angus did a great job as waterboy and gave the players some handy tips throughout the match.

It was yet another fantastic trip to Katherine, and the Club is looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with the region.

Angus Litherland running some games with the kids in Lajamanu.


Angus Litherland, Shaun Burgoyne and Derick Wanganeen with the students of Katherine High School.

Shaun Burgoyne gives some footy tips at the Katherine Showgrounds.


Derick Wanganeen surrounded by the kids in Lajamanu.


Angus Litherland giving a youngster a hand in Beswick.