The North Melbourne playing group dispersed across various rural schools in Victoria on Friday, kicking off the 2018 AFL Country visits. 

North players planned and participated in super clinics, Q&A sessions and taught the kids a trick or two about fulfilling their dream as an AFL player. 

In Stawell, a group of players hosted a super clinic in which 180 kids from five different primary schools participated, focusing on the basics of handballing and kicking, practiced taking big marks, laid some big tackles and took plenty of shots on goal.

“It’s been great to get out to the rural schools and work with the kids and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” midfielder Trent Dumont told North Media.

“It’s important for us as a club to get out to these rural areas and encourage these kids to get involved and stay active.” 

In addition to the clinics, the discussion sessions were a highlight of the day, with the year one to four students asking the players some tough questions.  

Players took the opportunity to discuss the importance of education and shed light on the pathways Auskick provides. 

Multiple schools were visited today including Saint Patrick’s Primary, Marina Primary, Bunyip Primary, Nar Nar Goon Primary and Swan Hill. 

Two local high schools in Swan Hill were the last stops on the itinerary, with students querying the lifestyles of the elite athletes and the pressures of the AFL. 

As the day draws to an end, the players are slowly trickling back to the bustling city of Melbourne, a little more sunburnt and satisfied with a fun day in which plenty of passion and knowledge for footy was shared.

Nick Larkey braces himself with the specky bag.

Dan Neilson poses with students.

Will Walker helps out a student with one of the drills.