The early morning start allowed for an early arrival into Broome, with players quick to adjust to the hot and humid conditions as they prepared to head out to local schools to spread the “purple passion.”
The travelling party, which includes Club Captain Matthew Pavlich, Senior Coach Mark Harvey and a mix of senior players and new recruits made their way out to six primary and secondary schools around Broome to talk with students on the rigours of playing elite football and the commitment required to succeed.
Assistant Coach Chris Scott, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Murphy and new recruit Chris Hall were warmly welcomed by Year 10-12 students from St Mary’s Secondary College. The players addressed the assembled students, speaking of their desire as high school students to reach, and succeed at, AFL level. They discussed how their sacrifices and work ethic shaped their football pathway and encouraged the students to employ similar strategies with regard to succeeding at school.
Fremantle’s next stop was at the Shire of Broome for a civic reception and official welcome to the region by Shire of Broome President Graeme Campbell. But it was the unexpected arrival and address from WA National Party leader Brendan Grylls that struck a chord. Mr Grylls welcomed Fremantle to Broome and thanked them for the time they will spend in the coming days with regional members and supporters who do not get to see AFL players as often as those in the city.
.jpg)
Mark Harvey, Brendan Grylls and Matthew Pavlich
Ibbotson and Harvey then presented the Shire with a signed and framed Fremantle jumper, which Mr Campbell said would adorn one of the walls at the Broome Recreation Aquatic Centre – the location of Thursday night’s Community Evening.
Selected members of Fremantle’s coaching and playing squad will tonight host a panel show at a Sportsman’s Night at Broome Bowling Club to cap off a busy, but enjoyable first day in Broome.
For further details on Fremantle’s itinerary while in Broome please read below;
DAY 2 – Thursday 4 February
7.30am – 9.00am: Leadership Breakfast
The Department of Sport and Recreation will host the breakfast for Fremantle players and staff as well as local sports administrators at the Mangrove Hotel. General Manager of Football Chris Bond will be the guest speaker.
Community afternoon
5.00pm – 5.50pm: AFL Auskick Superclinic with the Fremantle players
6.00pm: Coaching Seminar hosted by some of Fremantle’s coaching staff
6.45pm – 7.30pm: Don’t miss your chance to see Fremantle take the track in a short, sharp training session with selected talented local players.
This event is the best opportunity for the community to come out in force to welcome Fremantle to town. Don’t miss your chance to meet the players and see them in action at the new Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre (BRAC).
The players will conduct a NAB Auskick Superclinic for children aged five to 12 years before taking to the training track with some local players from the West Kimberley region who have been invited to participate in the session.
DAY 3 – Friday 5 February
10.00am -11.30am: School visits
Selected players will travel to remote communities to visit schools in Derby, Beagle Bay, One Arm Point, Djaridjin/Lombadina and Bidyadanga.
**Please keep an eye on www.fremantlefc.com.au or www.broome.wa.gov.au for updates on Fremantle's visit to Broome as this itinerary is subject to change.**
