Melton Centrals Football Netball Club had some special visitors attend training last week.
The South African Lions AFL International Cup team trained with both Centrals’ juniors and seniors on Thursday night at Arnolds Creek Reserve.
Despite landing in Australia the day before, the Lions were keen to get get out and shake off any jet lag before their first game against Great Britain on Sunday.
The Lions lost that game, 9.11 (65)-4.4 (28). Steven Matshane kicked two goals in the loss.
Centrals’ President Paul Sinclair was ecstatic with the outcomes that the visit provided.
“It was a pleasure to have the South African team out here training with our juniors and seniors and also to hear about the journey that they have to go through to play football in South Africa,” he said.
“The kids were rapt to get the opportunity to spend time with the players and talk to them about their football and life experiences, and it is great that football is the thing that brought us all together.
“It was a terrific experience for our club and we would welcome back the team at any time in the future.”
It wasn’t just on the field that the South Africans impressed those in attendance, with Centrals players and supporters dazzled by their singing ability which entertained the crowd after training.
Centrals’ coach Mathew Sproule credited the training session with some of the inspiration for the side’s upset win against Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday.
The AFL International Cup runs until August 19.
