Sydney Swans players hit the road on Thursday afternoon to visit local football clubs from all over Sydney, assisting with training drills, signing autographs, and giving advice to future Sydney Swans stars.

The club visits, run in conjunction with AFLNSW/ACT, help junior clubs promote the new season and boost registration numbers.

Over 40 players took part, visiting 24 junior clubs, including Kurt Tippett and Abe Davis who visited the St Ives Saints, Heath Grundy and Callum Sinclair at Drummoyne Power, and Lance Franklin and Tom Derickx at Cronulla Sharks.

David Sheppard, President of Cronulla Sharks JAFC, was delighted with the success of the visit.

“There was an audible gasp when Lance and Tom came out from behind our clubhouse. The opportunity to get up close and personal with them was an amazing experience for both kids and parents alike. Both Tom and Lance were very engaging with the kids.”

“We have received at least 15-20 potential new names to follow up as a result of this visit, which is a fantastic result for the recruitment process. Club visits and the Swans Friendly Club program are valuable assets when promoting to parents and kids the benefits of AFL.”

The Sydney Swans would like to thank all the players, coaches, committee members and volunteers at our Swans Friendly Clubs for their tireless efforts, and wish them all the best for the upcoming season.

If you would like to learn more about playing footy at your local club, go to PLAY.AFL

Check out the gallery below for some of the highlights of yesterday’s junior club visits.

Sam Reid and Dan Robinson with the children at Bowgowlah Suns.

Lance Franklin and Tom Derickx give out high fives.

Heath Grundy and Callum Sinclair visited the players at Drummoyne.

Dan Hannebery was a hit among the kids at the Moore Park Tigers.