Ten young players from Aintree Football Club enjoyed the experience of a lifetime on Saturday 29 November, taking part in the 2025 AFLW Grand Final at Ikon Park.
Specially selected for the 2025 AFLW grand final experience, the Aintree Auskickers were among a small group of little-ones from across the country given the chance to step onto the game’s biggest stage.
Their day involved a pre-game training session with the AFL and AFLW stars, a half-time showcase on the field, and the rare honour of presenting the premiership medals to this year’s AFLW champions.
Aintree president Nathan Brama said the opportunity served as great publicity for the club.
“Especially for girls hoping to follow a pathway into elite football. It’s great for the kids to meet AFLW champions, and hopefully inspires them to achieve greatness,” he said.
“Across all 92 participants in our Auskick program, we’ve seen huge growth in their skills and passion this year. We’re extremely proud of our kids – they represented the club with pride.”
One proud parent described the moment their children were selected as both “exciting and surprising”, calling the experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill for the whole family.
“To see them on the big stage with the 2025 AFLW Premiers is something we’ll never forget,” Bianca Brama said.
For the young Auskickers themselves, the excitement was just as big.
Sofia said she was “excited”, while Stefan admitted he was “shocked” after finding out they’d been selected to take part in the big event.
William and Sofia named the presenting of the medals as their favourite moment, while Stefan was most thrilled that his family came to watch him take part in the pre-game training.
And as for their dreams – William and Stefan both have their sights set on becoming AFL players themselves, while Sofia hopes to one day see Carlton win a premiership.
