Past and present Kuwarna AFL and AFLW players got a taste of country football this month when they visited regional football club the Southern Mallee Suns as part of the newly announced Country Connect program with Viterra.
Through the partnership, current AFLW players Eloise Jones and Brooke Boileau and past Kuwarna AFL footballers Scott Welsh and Eddie Hocking travelled to the Murray Mallee region to take part in the Southern Mallee Football Club’s match day.
Viterra is working with the Club to add value to regional communities through a range of events and initiatives.
Across two action-packed days, players immersed themselves in the local football community by supporting coaches and working with junior grades.
They also helped run junior coaching clinics and participated in the post-game presentations and trivia night fundraiser.
Jones said the weekend was a fantastic way to inspire the next generation.
“We receive great support from country SA, so it’s great to have this opportunity to give back to grassroots clubs,” Jones said.
“To come out to Lameroo for the weekend and get involved with the local club and community has been so rewarding.
“It was fantastic to see how much it meant to everyone and how excited the kids were to have us.”
Past player Scott Welsh, who featured in 129 games for Kuwarna, said he enjoyed getting involved in the local football community.
“I’ve been around footy for a long time and Kuwarna were so good to me, so to help them out and go visit a local footy club was the least I could do,” Welsh said.
“Lameroo is a great country town, and they were so welcoming to us, so to see all the kids and talent on display was great."
Southern Mallee Suns Football and Netball Club President, Nick Dabinett said they felt privileged to be part of the program.
“We are extremely thankful for the support of Kuwarna, Viterra, and everyone who’s contributed to making this event possible,” Dabinett said.
“This experience was about more than just football, it was about celebrating our community spirit and resilience.”
Viterra Eastern region Operations Manager, Andrew Cannon said the first event was fantastic for all involved.
“We received great feedback from the Suns and the local community about the entire weekend and how excited they were to have this opportunity,” Cannon said.
“With regional towns playing such a crucial role in our network, we’re pleased to be able to give back in this way.”
The next region to benefit from the program will be the Yorke Peninsula when Kuwarna and Viterra visit the Bute Football Club on June 1.
Kuwarna will then fly to Cleve with Viterra on June 28 to visit the Eastern Ranges Football Club.
