NAB AFL Auskick celebrates it’s 20th anniversary this weekend and to celebrate, young GIANTS star Dylan Shiel has recalled his favourite memory of playing Auskick.
 
Shiel is one of 31 players on the GIANTS' list who got their first taste of football playing Auskick, with many of them lucky enough to play at half time of AFL games.
 
“I played my junior football for Edithvale-Aspendale in Melbourne and we were invited to play at Etihad Stadium at half time of the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne game in 2001,” Shiel said.
 
“It was a huge thrill for my team mates and I, and I can still remember how excited I was running out onto the ground.

"I remember that my Dad was the goal umpire, I kicked a goal and the roar from the crowd was amazing.
 
“It’s a great memory and one that’s stuck with me for the rest of my life.”
 
Shiel returned to Etihad Stadium last weekend, playing a key role in the GIANTS' nine-point win in the season-opener against St Kilda.
 
Other GIANTS players to have played Auskick at half time include Callan Ward, Tommy Bugg, Adam Tomlinson, James Stewart, Matt Buntine, Dylan Addison and Caleb Marchbank.

“Auskick is an extraordinary program," said AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.

“Almost 180,000 kids registered last year. It is where they all come to learn the basic skills and most of the kids drafted last year [to the AFL] started out in AFL Auskick.

“With 2800 centres and 20,000 volunteers, it’s run by the community for the community.”

To find your local Auskick centre, visit www.aflauskick.com.au