The AFL is bringing the joy of Aussie Rules to young audiences in a whole new way with the launch of Wagtales, an animated children’s series that celebrates the fun, friendship and values at the heart of footy.
Launching today on the AFL’s dedicated Wagtales YouTube channel, Wagtales follows Willie, an excitable young Willie Wagtail bird whose love of Australian Rules Football transforms everyday backyard moments into imaginative games, challenges and adventures with his family and friends.
The first episode will feature Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, who appears as himself and interacts with Willie, with Essendon’s Bonnie Toogood, Hawthorn’s Nick Watson and Sydney’s Zippy Fish set to feature throughout the season.
>> WATCH THE FIRST EPISODE OF WAGTALES ON YOUTUBE NOW
AFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Harley will also make his screen debut, voicing the character of Megg the Egg, who is Willie’s younger sibling and a mainstay of the series.
Created for children aged four to seven, Wagtales uses playful, character-led storytelling to explore the fun and values of footy such as teamwork, courage, resilience and friendship.
The supporting cast reflects the different personalities and roles found in a footy team, with characters including Willie’s best friend Major, his family and a group of Australian bird friends, each bringing their own personality and perspective to the Wagtales team.
The first season features six five-minute episodes, released fortnightly, with each episode following Willie and his friends as they take on a new challenge or adventure.
Bringing the AFL’s first children’s entertainment concept to life, Wagtales has been co-produced by AFL Studios in collaboration with WSC Sports, a global leader in sports technology and developed alongside AFL Schools educators and experienced children’s writers.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial and Technology Bec Haagsma said Wagtales is an exciting way for the AFL to connect with young audiences.
“Wagtales has been created for our youngest fans, bringing the spirit of footy to life through friendship, adventure stories they can relate to,” Haagsma said.
“Australia has created some of the world’s most loved children’s characters, and Wagtales gives children and families another way to experience the joy of footy through playful, character-led storytelling.”
“We know footy is already a big part of many young Australians’ lives, and Wagtales gives them another way to connect with the game, while also opening the door for children who may not yet be connected to footy to discover what makes Australia’s game so special.”
Wagtales episodes will be released fortnightly and air until November, with the series promoted and supported across the AFL Digital Network and AFL Play.
