Lorcan Hayes joins Dubbo Junior AFL to continue with the sport

The Hayes family relocated to Mudgee from the Central Coast in January, 2021 and upon arrival, they discovered their beloved AFL had not been on the winter sport roster for some time.

"Lorcan has played for the Bateau Bay club since under 9's, playing in both the Central Coast and Newcastle competitions," Mark Hayes, Lorcan's father, said.

"We were very disappointed when we found out there was no AFL club in Mudgee. It was a surprise to find out there was no club in a town of Mudgee's size.

"I have seen they are trying to restart an Auskick program for the little fellas this year and hopefully that will re-generate the interest in the town."

After reaching out to Mudgee AFL via social media, they were put in contact with Dubbo Junior AFL who were 'enthusiastic' about Lorcan's interest in joining the club.

"When I emailed the Dubbo club, we got a very enthusiastic reply from Merinda [club president], who went on to let us know there would be a team for Lorcan," Mark said.

"From emailing back and forth with Merinda, it is very evident to see her passion for the game and club, so we got a very good feeling from her."

Dubbo AFL president, Merinda Roll, said giving Mid-Western residents the opportunity to play AFL has, since the folding of the Mudgee Black Swans, been something the club have 'always' been open to.

"We've always had interest from Mudgee but we haven't been able to sustain a player to come across, we've always opened our door to Mudgee people to come along since their club folded," she said.

"We will do anything to help any child who wants to play AFL. We're always happy to do our best to share the travel and bring the training to Mudgee if the numbers are up there.

"We're passionate about children playing AFL, there shouldn't be any restraint if you don't have a club in your township that you can't enter one closer by.

"We're not here to replace the Mudgee club should it return, but to offer pathways while there's nothing available."

At this stage, the Dubbo club are looking at the possibility of bringing their junior Friday training sessions to Mudgee during May, should the numbers satisfy.

"We're arranging at this point to move our entire training program on a Friday across to Mudgee sometime in May so we can bring it to the township so people can access it," Merinda said.

"The club as a whole is really grateful that Lorcan's family reached out to us. He is just the seed that's been planted to showcase to the Mudgee region just how much we would love for them to come along."

The date of the first Mudgee training session is yet to be determined, but to register interest, phone Merinda Roll on 0428 697 236.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: