Riley Onley gets stuck into a Zooper Dooper during a break at Melbourne pre-season training.
Photo by
Melbourne Football Club
Riley Onley is officially training the house down at Melbourne.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Shepparton United’s latest draftee has spent the past week integrating into life as an AFL player, traversing the high country as part of the Demons’ community and pre-season camps.
The 18-year-old’s first day on the job involved school visits, as Melbourne touched down at the likes of Longwood, Nagambie, Euroa and Benalla on Monday before heading east.
Onley then got stuck into gym work and tactics in Myrtleford under head coach and fellow Shepparton export Steven King on Tuesday, followed by team bonding sessions in Bright on Wednesday.
The 195cm midfielder has been handed the number 40 guernsey at Melbourne, most notably worn by ruckman Mark Jamar between 2003-2015, who was also picked up by the Demons via the Rookie Draft.
Riley Onley goes to gather a ground ball during a drill.
Photo by
Melbourne Football Club
Meanwhile, other AFL clubs are making stops in the Goulburn Valley as pre-season ramps up.
North Melbourne descends on Echuca over December 2-3, while Shepparton’s turn arrives on February 5-6 when Carlton swings through.
With the AFL Community Camps program running strongly since 2003, executive general manager of game development Rob Auld said they are a great opportunity to link regional and rural football fans with their heroes.
“The AFL Community Camp program is something players and clubs look forward to each year, as an opportunity to give back to local communities and engage with fans and newcomers, young and old,” Auld said.
"Many of our game’s greatest players began their football journeys at small local clubs kept afloat by dedicated volunteers, and the purpose of these camps is for our elite AFL players to give back to those people and inspire the next generation.
“By visiting remote and regional areas, these camps provide children the chance to meet their heroes up close, or to be introduced to the game for the first time through clinics, school and hospital visits, which helps to ensure Australian football is accessible to everyone.
"I’d like to thank all the clubs, players and staff who help coordinate and deliver the AFL Community Camps each and every year. They play a vital part in bringing our game to all corners of Australia as we strive to have footy in every home."
