CATS COME CALLING TO COLAC

COLAC kids were given the chance to get up close to some of their footy heroes yesterday, as the Cats and Bombers headed to the country to officially launch the 2018 Powercor Country Festival.

Geelong and Essendon will line-up in a pre-season hitout as part of the JLT Community Series in Colac on March 11.

Now in its third year, the Powercor Country Festival is a long-term partnership between the two clubs and was created to recognise and celebrate the role regional and rural Victorians play in the success and prosperity of football.

Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy and Geelong forward Tom Hawkins were on hand in Colac yesterday to celebrate the milestone.

“The Powercor Country Festival celebrates and recognises people from the country and the influence they continue to have on our game,” Sheedy said. “Football, to the whole of Australia, is a powerful connector that brings people from all walks of life together.

“Over the years I have played with and coached many great players from the country and I know both Essendon and Geelong are blessed with many outstanding players that have come from the country on their lists today.

Geelong’s Tom Hawkins said the Cats were proud to celebrate and highlight local football clubs and regional communities.

“The Country Festival is so important to the Geelong Football Club, we’re the only truly regional team in the AFL and proudly represent the western region of Victoria,” Hawkins said.

Pictures: MIKE DUGDALE School kids were out in force to see their footy heroes. Patrick Dangerfield with young fans Briea and Sienna.

Picture: MIKE DUGDALE MAIN: Tom Stewart, left, and George Horlin-Smith, right with Percy, 6, and Louie Hanson, 9. INSET: Gary Ablett is happy to give out autographs to fans.