Kuwarna continues to strengthen its connection with its past players, following a memorable two-day experience with the current team in Melbourne at the weekend.

The children of Melbourne-based past players David Mackay, Ben Rutten, Tom Lynch, Kyle Hartigan and Mark Stevens joined the team for its Round 10 clash against Collingwood, participating in the Captain’s Run and getting a close-up look at game day.

The youngsters were fully-immersed in the Club’s preparations for the game against the Magpies, including being welcomed by Senior Coach Matthew Nicks into the team meeting and they were also given an opportunity to have a kick with the team on the MCG.

Academies manager Jarrod Meers said it was fantastic to involve those living interstate in the Club’s next generation programs.

“Each year we aim to amplify and further connect with our past players through the Academies Father Son program,” Meers said.  

“This year we extended the program beyond just AFL Match Day to also include the sons and daughters joining in the AFL Squad’s Captains Run at the MCG.

“The opportunity for our boys and girls to grace the MCG, in the same way their Dads did throughout their careers was such a powerful connection piece. 

“The Father-Son/Daughter program within our overall Academies structure is significant for so many reasons - acknowledging the contribution of the past players to the Club is high on that list.”