Evelyn and Ollie prepare for AFL Grand Final experience

AS THE 2024 AFL Grand Final draws closer, two young Geelong footballers are gearing up for a weekend full of AFL celebrations.

Evelyn Soldani and Ollie Mamone are two of the recruits for Team NAB AFL Auskick and are heading out for a three-day experience.

As part of the celebrations the pair will attend a dedicated Team NAB AFL jumper presentation, walk in the Grand Final Parade, watch the big game from prime seats at the MCG and each present a premiership medal to a player from the winning team.

Evelyn is from St Mary’s Geelong Auskick Centre and got into football when her friend from kinder was doing Auskick.

This year she kicked her first goal in the St Mary’s under 9s, inventing a new celebration featuring a roundoff, two back handsprings, side aerial and a walking handstand.

She said picking what she was looking forward to most about the Grand Final celebrations was tricky.

“All of the days sound like so much fun, but probably presenting the medals to the winning team in front of so many people.

“I’m also really excited to meet Katie Brennan, Nick Daicos and also Joel Selwood again.”

In the lead up to the final, Ollie was recruited into Team NAB AFL Auskick by Evelyn and is looking forward to playing at half time, presenting the winning medal and eating nuggets and chips.

“I want to see the Cats and the Hawks [play] because I go for the Cats and my dad goes for the Hawks,” she said.

“I really want the Cats to win because they’re the best!”

Ollie got into football after having to choose between the sport and choir.

“Mum didn’t let me do choir so I had to do Auskick. But now that I know how fun it is I would have definitely chosen Auskick.

“I love watching the Cats win and waving my big Cats flag.”

Evelyn and Ollie are two of 23 recruits taking part in the experience as part of NAB’s initiative to celebrate Aussie kids through grassroots football.