The community at Canteen Creek is a traditional land called Owairtilla and is 300km south east of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, with a population of about 200 people.
Met by fellow indigenous players, Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran, the students were given a personalised tour of the Visy park facilities.
“It was the first time any of the kids had ever been to Melbourne, so they were pretty overwhelmed with everything,” Chris Yarran said.
The players shared with the students their own personal stories of being an AFL listed player, including the pressures, dedication and sacrifices it takes to achieve at this level.
“It is always pretty humbling to share our experiences with kids from indigenous backgrounds, especially those from such remote areas who may never get this opportunity ever again,” Chris said.
Each of the boys gave a pair of their own footy boots to the children, and provided them with a set of Carlton guernseys for their community back at Canteen Creek.
The students are visiting Melbourne as part of an exchange program with Huntingtower School in Mount Waverley, which has been running for the past two years.
Students are billeted by families for 10 days and participate in a range of activities both at school and around Melbourne.
As part of their visit, the students also attended Carlton’s clash against GWS at Etihad Stadium. Prior to the game, the students were invited into the Carlton change rooms to watch the player’s preparation.
