ONE of the largest and most prestigious primary school AFL championships will be held in Nelson Bay next week and amongst the 300 players taking part will be two Port Stephens boys.
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Jack Denahy, 10, and Hugh Doherty, 11, will play for the Hunter Wolves in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association AFL Championships between May 24 and 26.
The championship event, usually held in Sydney, is expected to attract more than 1000 people including families and supporters, and in turn inject $85,000 into the Port’s economy.
Jack and Hugh, who play for the Nelson Bay Marlins Junior AFL Club on weekends, said they were excited to be picked for the Hunter Wolves.
“I can’t wait,” Hugh said. “It’s better that we don’t have to travel, and that everyone [family and friends] gets to come and watch.”
Penny Blythe, a junior marlins club committee member, said it was a real coup that the championship was being held at Tomaree Sporting Fields this year.
“It’s an amazing carnival,” she said. “It’s normally held in Sydney so the fact it is here is incredible. Port Stephens is really going to benefit because I think a lot of families will turn the trip into a little holiday.”
Jack, who attends Anna Bay Public School, and Hugh, from Tomaree, played against each other in the Paul Kelly Cup at Dick Burwell Oval on Monday.
