AFL CLUBS will visit metropolitan locations and regional centres across the country as part of the 2017 Australia Post AFL Community Camp program.
Fremantle kicked off the program recently with nine players visiting Broome in Western Australia. Remaining dates and locations were announced on Friday.
More than 750 AFL players will spend two days meeting fans and developing stronger links between Australian Football and the community.
"The Australia Post AFL Community Camps allow us to highlight the connection Australian football has with communities right around the country," said the AFL's game and market development general manager Simon Lethlean.
"Following the success of part one of Fremantle's camp in Broome, we're excited the remainder of its squad and the other 17 clubs will visit fans across all corners of Australia in early 2017."
During last year's program, players engaged with more than 147,000 students in 823 schools, ran clinics for some 5000 children, visited 2600 people in aged care facilities and hospitals and helped raise money at functions to assist local junior football programs.
"The AFL is a fantastic way to bring people from all walks of life together. A common love of footy can help break down barriers and build social connection," said Australia Post's marketing and community relations general manager Andrea Pearman.
"The camps form part of Australia Post's ongoing commitment to building healthier, more vibrant and inclusive communities."
The camp program started in 2003 and has reached 1.1 million students in more than 5800 schools.
| CLUB | LOCATIONS* | 2017 DATES* |
|---|---|---|
| ADELAIDE | · Port Augusta, South Australia | 27-28 February |
| BRISBANE LIONS | · Sunshine Coast, Queensland | 21-22 February |
| CARLTON | · Northern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria (Cities of Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik and Whittlesea) | 9-10 February |
| COLLINGWOOD | · City of Monash, Victoria | 21-22 February |
| ESSENDON | · Sunbury/Craigieburn, Victoria | · 9-10 March (Sunbury/Craigieburn) |
| FREMANTLE | · Metropolitan Perth, Western Australia | 14 and 16 March |
| GEELONG | · North Geelong, Victoria – Corio, Norlane, North Geelong, Bell Post Hill, Bell Park and North Shore | 23-24 February |
| GOLD COAST | · Gold Coast, Queensland | · 27-28 February (Gold Coast and regional locations) |
| GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY | · Western Sydney, New South Wales | · 21-22 February (Western Sydney) |
| HAWTHORN | · Tasmania | 15-18 February |
| MELBOURNE | The cities of Casey, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Boroondara, Victoria | 28 February – 1 March |
| NORTH MELBOURNE | Tasmania | 27-28 February |
| PORT ADELAIDE | · Riverland, South Australia | 13-14 February |
| RICHMOND | · Shire of Cardinia, Victoria | 13-14 February |
| ST KILDA | · Hastings/Western Port, Victoria | 17-18 February |
| SYDNEY SWANS | · Sydney City, New South Wales | 6-7 February |
| WEST COAST | · Geraldton, Western Australia | · 23-26 February (Geraldton) |
| WESTERN BULLDOGS | · Ballarat | 20-21 February |
* Locations and dates subject to change
