Taylors Lakes youngster Aidan McNally takes his footy to bed, never misses a Western Bulldogs game and has taught his one-year-old sister the goal salute.
But the bubbly six-year-old was flabbergasted when he found out he’d been nominated for the 2014 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year award.
“I felt sort of like a zombie,” the Taylors Lakes Primary School pupil says.
“I was excited and I told my whole class and they said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ ”
Aidan’s mum Sarah says her son ‘lives and breathes’ the game. “If he’s not snapping his ball through an open door, he’s kicking it to himself or asking anyone to have a kick,” she said.
Aidan’s favourite player is the Bulldogs’ Luke Dahlhaus. “He’s number six and that’s how old I am,” Aidan says.
Last Tuesday, AFL great Tim Watson stopped at Aidan’s school to meet the Taylors Lakes player and have a kick of the footy with him and his classmates.
Aidan and 21 other Auskickers who best demonstrate the spirit of the game – dedication, enthusiasm, teamwork and passion – will walk in the grand final parade, play on the MCG on grand final day and present a premiership medal. The overall winner will also win $5000.
