Buddy 1000

During our Covid isolation (when Alexander had Covid) we missed out on the special moment of  being at the SCG when Buddy scored his 1000th goal. When an email came saying that Auskickers could go and be a part of a special photo to celebrate we jumped at the chance. They then emailed saying that as part of the celebrations, AFL were offering 1000 free Auskick registrations. I didn't know if Eliza would be keen to do Auskick but figured that she was going to be there each week so it would give her space and the option to play each week, without the pressure of 'we've paid for you to do this, so you're going to play'. I also knew that she would love to be a part of the photo with Alexander. So I signed her up as well.

What a fantastic choice that was. She turned out to love playing Auskick each week. She made some lovely little friends and she has a knack for playing. She loved it!

Back to the Buddy 1000 photo, we arrived with 998 other Auskickers to get their photo with Buddy. The kids found their allocated number (it was buddy's number - 23) and then we headed to the stands to wait for the kids to come out.

They headed out in their group and sat to make a 1000 which Buddy then came and stood at the front of. The kids were in the middle 0, to the right side, around halfway down.

Pointing to Eliza and Alexander

Alexander is sitting on the right side of this photo while waiting for Buddy to come out.

The kids then had a great time getting signatures of and photos with different Swans players. I remember doing this when I was younger with Dad, getting photos with some of my favourite players. I hope it's a memory that the kids have and enjoy remembering as they grow up.

Luke Parker and Dane Rampe

Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney 

Tom Papley and Will Hayward

James Rowbottom

Eliza loved seeing Sam Reid

JK (Josh Kennedy)

Buddy didn't stop for signatures with our kids but they were fine with seeing him up close

Eliza amazed me with her confidence. She called out to the players as they walked past, asking if they could sign her poster and also asking if they could sign her brother's one too. I honestly didn't expect her to have the confidence to do that.

Dane Rampe and Callum Mills

Luke Parker

Issac Heeney

On our way back to the car, we headed to get ice cream. A fun way to end our time together.