Inside look at footy players’ lives

FOOTY fever is set to hit Bannockburn in the coming days, as high-profile Aussie rules personalities visit the local pub to share their stories with local fans.

Former and current Collingwood, North Melbourne, and Essendon players will take part in panel chats, question-and-answer sessions, and signings at the Railway Hotel this week.

This Saturday 8 July, the original ‘Macedonian marvel’ and Magpie Peter Daicos will share the stage with his sons Josh and Nick Daicos, before new-era Roos Luke Davies-Uniacke, George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel, and Nick Larkey are in town on Sunday 9 July after their game against the Geelong Cats.

It will be former Collingwood star and coach Nathan Buckley’s time to shine on Tuesday 11 July, before Bombers Zach Merrett, Archie Perkins, and Sam Draper come to Bannockburn on Wednesday, 12 July.

“It’s a chance for the players to relax, be themselves, and not worry about performing to media,” organiser and Entertainment By Vin managing director Vincent Handley said.

“Macedonian Marvels is the number one football live show at the moment, by attendance.

“It’s the old and the new. Nick’s the hottest property in football right now, and Pete was an absolute champion in his day.

“You get a real inside look at their family dynamic, and there’s a lot of banter about who does things better.

“Nathan Buckley is set to talk about more than just football. it’s an uncensored deep dive into his life, with all aspects from his personal life, to his time on I’m A Celebrity, his involvement with the media, and the good and the bad sides of football.”

Mr Handley said he New Era of Roos show is all about new players, new experiences, and new engagement.

“It’s an opportunity for fans to get access to some of these young guys that wouldn’t otherwise do any fan engagement outside of the club,” he said.

It’s also the first time Mr Handley has offered Bombers supporters an opportunity to experience players like Merrett, Perkins, and Draper in this way.

There will be live auctions of memorabilia and match-worn items at each event. Visit bit.ly/3NDT1e4 for Nathan Buckley tickets, and bit.ly/44pZEr9 for the other events.