Kicking goals with the stars

The V Swans Kicking Goals students from Hedland Senior High School had their final visit of the year from football royalty.

In a double header event John Worsfold Medal winner Eric Mackenzie and AFL legend Drew Petrie spent last Wednesday working with students from Years 7 to 12.

The West Coast Eagles players spent the day getting children out of the classroom, having a kick and running around.

Nate Hogan, 12, an aspiring footy player, said that the Eagles visit was a good opportunity for the children to have a bit of a go.

“Today we learnt to always keep on the player, share the ball around but mostly to have fun or it’s not worth it,” he said.

Mackenzie said it was always a good chance for the students to ask questions from the pros.

“We’ve been getting asked about being drafted, a lot of the kids don’t know how that works, it’s almost a carrot for them to see if you continue playing footy you can go all the way,” he said.

Since winning the John Worsfold Medal in 2014, Mackenzie has battled an ACL injury, rare toe condition and stress fractures in his feet, making him particularly qualified to talk to the students about perseverance.

“I think it makes you a stronger person going through that, you’re always going to deal with adversity in life, you’ve got to go out and face challenges and just get on with it,” he said.

At the end of the day, students get to meet their heroes and to them, that’s the best bit.

“The highlight would probably be Drew Petrie giving me a high-five, that was pretty cool,” Hogan said.