Livewire Bombers forward lights up South Bendigo

ISAAC Kako has been a smash hit with Essendon fans during an exciting debut season in the AFL.

But at Harry Trott Oval last week, the livewire small forward won over an entirely new army of fans, not in red and black, but in red and white.

Kako was the star attraction at an AFL footy clinic, delivered by Red Energy and sports radio network SEN in conjunction with the South Bendigo Junior Football Club.

Not far removed from his own exhilarating junior career, 19-year-old Kako put the next generation of aspiring stars through their paces in a series of training drills, before being grilled in a question and answer session.

South Bendigo junior president Roddy Marshall said it was an awesome experience for the young Bloods footballers.

“The kids had a ball, Isaac is a really nice guy,” he said.

“Because he’s only a young player himself, and grew up idolising Essendon himself, he just sad to the kids that everyone’s dream is possible. If you work hard at your goals, you can get there.

“Isaac went from drill to drill and cone to cone, had a talk to the kids, and the kids were able to talk freely to him.

“The Q&A session with the kids was really good; (there were) some interesting questions.”

Drafted from Calder Cannons with pick 13 in the 2024 AFL National Draft, Kako has played in all 18 games for the Bombers in his debut season.

He earned a Rising Star nomination for his performance in the club’s round 17 loss to the Gold Coast, highlighted by a career-high 17 disposals and five tackles.

The clinic came as the Bloods continue to kick goals with their junior football program.

“We are really happy with the program at the moment,” Marshall said.

“We have a good committee that is behind everyone at the club and the coaches, and we have a very good relationship with the senior committee.

“We feel as though we are flying at the moment.

“I couldn’t tell you how many sides will make finals, there are still a few close battles being fought, but we will have a good representation come finals time.”

Besides organising Kako’s visit, Red Energy donated $1000 from its Born and Bred program to the South Bendigo Junior Football Club to help fund future endeavours.

“We are incredibly proud to support these clinics and give back to the communities that have nurtured some of our greatest AFL talents,” said David Holman, Red Energy general manager business development.

“By bringing these stars out to regional communities, we hope to inspire the next generation of footballers and provide them with unforgettable experiences.”