Heath Cooper believed he had more chance of winning the lotto than securing an afternoon with Gary Ablett.
His father, David, often joked about winning the dual Brownlow Medallist for a kick-to-kick at his family home, but his son didn’t want a bar of it – dismissing the possibility as “far-fetched”.
But when David waltzed into his Heath’s bedroom on Monday afternoon, his father’s cheeky grin was an instant giveaway for the passionate Gold Coast SUNS supporter.
“He was totally flabbergasted, he thought I was joking,” David told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“It didn’t take long for his jaw to drop to the ground.”
For almost two months the #GetGary headquarters has been bombarded with a heavy influx of entries, with fans from across the country sending in their most unfortunate, unlucky and/or accidental moments caught on camera.
Weekly prizes were awarded, and fans were encouraged to join in on the digital conversation by using the hashtag #GETGARY.
General Manager of Marketing, Fan Development & Community – Kelly Ryan, said the digital concept was well received by members and fans.
“We have been delighted with the response to the #GetGary campaign. It’s not every day you run a competition that has nothing to do with football but that has given us the opportunity to connect with a whole new audience,” she said.
“With entries received from all over the country, it is certainly further proof of how popular Gary is regardless of what team or code you support.
“Thank you to everyone who entered or took part in the competition and congratulations to David for his winning entry.”
With his son captain of the his local basketball team, and Ablett a well-known follower of the Miami Heat, David says Heath is looking forward to shooting free-throws alongside the Gold Coast superstar.
“I know Gary is a big fan of basketball, so we though he could spend some time throwing baskets, and then maybe a kick-to-kick in the backyard.”
David and Heath are passionate GC SUNS supporters, and have encouraged all members and fans to #FIREUP ahead of what promises to be an exciting 2014 Season.
“I think every Gold Coaster should be supporting their home team, and I’m looking forward to watching the boys play this year.”
