Bonnie Kwok is currently completing an internship at the Carlton Football Club. She and four other university students, all from different ethnic backgrounds, are writing a fortnightly blog for the Club's new Facebook page, New Blue. If you'd like to learn more about the program, click here.

To commemorate Multicultural Round 2012, Bonnie chatted to Carlton midfielder and fourth-generation Australian, Andrew Carrazzo.


Did you always want to become a footballer?
Not really. When I got to the age of about 17 I thought it was something I could have a go at pursuing. Before that it was just a bit of hobby and something I took interest in being as good as I could be but not necessarily for it to turn into a full-time career.

Aside from training and games, what do you do during the footy season?
I am a partner in an electrical contracting business. I did my apprenticeship as an electrician. Aside from that, I have three young babies at home and they keep me very busy.

What do you to relax during the season?
I enjoy playing golf with a few of the boys. I think it’s important to have other interests outside of footy and just generally I just like to relax as gets my mind off things and keeps me feeling normal.

Is Multicultural Round something special for you?
Definitely. Having both my Mum and Dad’s family come from overseas, we still have strong ties with our heritage and a lot of family still in Italy. It’s a fantastic way the AFL recognising that the game can be made up of many cultures and nationalities despite it only being played professionally in Australia.

Do you think your Italian heritage has impacted the way you see game?
Yes, probably. It’s very important that other cultures are represented and I do think my heritage has influenced the way I see the game. With my family coming from Italy and growing up in an Italian community in Carlton, it gives me a little bit extra motivation and support for the Carlton Football Club.

Have you always been a Carlton fan?
I was really lucky to grow up as a Carlton boy, almost everyone in our extended family are Carlton supporters even before I started playing there.

Do you have any personal goals for the remainder of the season?
I want to stay injury free for the rest of the season. It’s very frustrating to be out for 8 weeks, I felt really disaffected and can’t really help or be as involved as I’d like to be. My goals are definitely to stay on the field for the rest of the year and hopefully help us make the finals and even the grand final.