Bulldogs among the kids

FOOTBALLERS from the Western Bulldogs AFLW team have visited patients in the Ballarat Base Hospital.

Britney Gutknecht and Jasmyn Smith were at the children’s ward on Thursday 4 June.

They talked about footy and signed autographs for many delighted AFLW fans.

Evangeline Martin felt inspired meeting the pair because she herself wanted to be a professional footballer.

Martin, who plays junior and senior football for Wimmera team Laharum, said the playing advice the Bulldogs gave her “was to do what you like and just have fun”.

Oscar Hynam, whose sister Emma was getting her tonsils removed, said it was wonderful the footballers came to the hospital.

“I think it’s great that they come over and show their support for these people that are going through this stuff at the moment,” he said.

Gutknecht said patients were going through a lot.

“So just to put a smile on their face and give them some Bulldogs merch makes it very special,” she said.

She said the connection the club had with the city was crucial.

“We enjoy coming up here and playing games,” she said. “To give back to the community and go visit schools and the hospitals and yeah, help them out and hopefully inspire the next generation of footballers.”

Smith said they had been well received during the visit, and that it was important they attended.

“There was one Bulldogs supporter, which we were happy to meet her,” she said. “But there’s quite a few kids who have played football before and who would love to continue playing footy, so just providing a bit of support.”