By Ewen McRae
Setting foot on the hallowed MCG turf would be a dream come true for any kid, yet Ella Mazjerin has done just that and is gearing up to do it again.
Ella was named as an Auskicker of the Year nominee for round 22 of the AFL season, playing a game on the MCG at half-time of the Essendon-Richmond match and being interviewed by Channel Seven. “It was really scary, but I had lots of fun,” she said.
“One of the boys said we’ll pass it to you but after you kick a goal we’re going to go hard.
“It was my first time at the ground – it was so big, and pretty cool being on TV, too.”
A passionate Essendon supporter, Ella said skipper Dyson Heppell and small forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti were her favourite players. She hopes one day she will pull on a Bombers jumper in the AFLW.
On top of her round 22 experience, Ella will be part of the build-up to the AFL grand final with the other 21 Auskicker of the Year finalists, meeting players, joining in the grand final parade and presenting the premiership medals to the winning side on the final Saturday in September.
She will also take part in an Auskick game on the MCG at half-time of the big game.
“It’ll be really exciting,” Ella said. “I think it’ll be lots of fun and when I give the medal out, I’ll get to meet some new players, which is pretty cool.”
The winner of the Auskicker of the year award will be announced on September 27.
… Ewen McRae
