World Footy News

St Kilda Football Club players and officials arrived tonight in Wellington to take part in the first Australia Post AFL Community Camp in New Zealand.

 “These camps provide a tremendous boost to communities across Australia and we’re hoping we can do the same in New Zealand. We want immerse ourselves in the Wellington culture and encourage them to become involved with St Kilda Football Club,” Head Coach, Scott Watters said.
  
During the camp, the Saints will take part in a host of activities, including an AFL Super Clinic, open training sessions and meeting the Wellington sporting fans.
 

In another international first, St Kilda will play reigning premier, the Sydney Swans for premiership points in Wellington on Anzac Day evening. There has never been an AFL home and away match played overseas.
 
Tomorrow morning St Kilda players will assist with the AFL Combine, which will involve talented local players. AFL International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan will be present.  In the afternoon they will meet the Super Rugby team the Wellington Hurricanes.
 
Aussie Rules is the jewel in the crown of a major marketing campaign to champion Wellington to Australian tourists and to commemorate the day that binds both nations.
 
The match, which is part of Anzac Week in Wellington, is intended to attract thousands of Australian AFL supporters as well as New Zealanders who would like to experience an Aussie Rules game.
 
“This is an historic occasion for us. Economic impact reports suggest the spend from players, officials and supporters will amount to a multi-million dollar injection into the Wellington economy.  The event will also strengthen the links between Wellington and Melbourne,”  Senior City Councillor, John Morrison, said.
 
The three day community camp concludes on Australia Day, Saturday, January 26.