Footy’s cultural mix

Lotfullah and Yona battle it out at the final session for AMES Dandenong's football program. 123977 Picture: GARY SISSONS

CELEBRATING the city’s vibrant mix of cultures and backgrounds as part of the AFL’s Multicultural Round, Dandenong-based Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES) athletes were put through their final paces ahead of running out onto Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The athletes kicked and handballed through the final session on Wednesday afternoon at Greaves Reserve ahead of their Etihad Stadium debut.
AMES Dandenong footballers were invited to participate in a guard of honour on field pre-match before featuring in an AFL9s match at half-time of the Western Bulldogs versus Essendon at Etihad Stadium along with other multicultural players who have been supported by North Melbourne, Richmond, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs Multicultural programs.
Over 100 male and female participants have been part of the combined netball-football program – run jointly by AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.