Essendon welcomed a very special guest on Wednesday when NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year nominee Archie Stockdale visited the NEC Hangar.
Hailing from the Natimuk NAB AFL Auskick Centre in Victoria, Archie was invited to Essendon’s main training session after going viral via his hilarious half-time interview with Channel Seven host Hamish McLachlan.
In that interview, Archie said if he won the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year award’s $5000 prize, he would buy a training session with Essendon forward Archie Perkins.
The Bombers thought they could help Archie achieve this dream without having to win the competition.
After reaching out to Archie and getting him and his family down to the club, the lifelong Dons fan was treated to a special kick-to-kick with his hero Archie Perkins, with the Stockdales receiving a special tour around the NEC Hangar as well.
Following the facility tour, Archie met every Essendon player and even took part in some warm-up drills.
Archie was a star among the playing group, charming everyone with his bright smile and confidence displayed well above his tender years.
When the Dons were ready to begin training, they invited Archie to lead their lap around the oval which capped off a dream day.
Watch Archie’s day at the club below.
