Sport

North Melbourne takes over Echuca-Moama

By Matthew Kappos

Dec 3, 2025

North Melbourne AFL stars helped mould the next generation at an Auskick/Superkick clinic in Moama. Photos: Jordan Townrow Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The AFL stars were out this week in Echuca-Moama as the North Melbourne Football Club rolled into town.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Roos toured the region as part of the AFL’s off-season community camps program, which has more than 700 AFL players ‘engage with fans, celebrate community heroes and inspire the next generation’ each year.

Matt Whitlock, presented Uncle Col Walker, with a Roos Indigenous jersey. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

North Melbourne arrived in town in the late morning, starting its visit to the region at Moama Beach, where a Welcome to Country was held by Uncle Col Walker.

Matt Whitlock, a 2024 draftee, presented Uncle Col with a Kangaroos Indigenous jersey after the smoking ceremony.

Banjo Mallick, Henry Pride and Fox Lyons show what they’ve learned. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Shepparton junior Whitlock is no stranger to the area, visiting with family before linking up with his teammates for the camp.

“It's pretty special to be back home, to get to see family and friends,” Whitlock said.

“(I) get to reflect on all the memories here, a lot of good times in Echuca, it's such a great town, so it's very special.”

Shepparton’s Matt Whitlock returned to familiar surrounds with his AFL teammates. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Roos divided to conquer the region on Tuesday afternoon, players visiting five Echuca-Moama schools: Moama Anglican Grammar, St Joseph’s College, Echuca Primary, Twin Rivers Specialist School and Moama Public for sessions with students.

An Auskick/Superkick clinic followed at Jack Eddy Oval at Moama, before the AFL squad was back on the school beat on Wednesday morning, visiting Rochester, Kyabram, Tongala and surrounds.

Kids took away a piece of memorabilia from the clinic. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“I think it's so special for the community,” Whitlock said of the community camps.

“I remember when I was just a little kid, and you got the AFL teams coming down, and it was one of your favourite days of the year.

“Now being the player, it's so special for the kids, I know how much it means to everyone and the community as well.”

Ryan Strahan and Xavier Moylan go aerial. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Whitlock was even closer to home last year, as the Roos’ community camp took them to Shepparton, but it’s a different feeling for the North Melbourne tall heading into his sophomore year.

“I feel like your first year, you’re just trying to find your feet, but now being in year two, being able to form some bonds with a few of the boys, these camps are always good for that sort of stuff,” he said.