The Gold Coast SUNS have connected with over 2,000 people in Townsville and the surrounding region as part of the AFL Community Camp in the lead up to their JLT1 match at Riverway Stadium.
The SUNS arrived in Townsville on Thursday, with the entire squad heading out to local junior football clubs that evening.
On Friday the players and coaching staff took AFL to 24 schools, as well as visiting two hospitals and the Lavarack Barracks.
Senior Coach Stuart Dew said being able to training with the Army team was a highlight of the trip so far.
“It was good to go out to the Barracks and spend time out there, they are playing in the curtain raiser so to have a bit of a training session was good fun,” he said.
WATCH: Townsville Day 2 Wrap
“Had a bit of a kick – it’s hard to stand around and watch.
“Bowes [Jack Bowes] and Touk [Miller] also jumped in for a little bit- I think we got as much out of it as hopefully they did.”
Following the session, Bowes, Miller and Dew completed an insightful Q&A session, which touched on mental resilience, leadership and teamwork.
Dew admitted although there were a few similarities between an AFL team and members of the Army, the were also the obvious differences.
“They also touched on the fact they have to leave home to join the army [much like AFL players],” he said.
“Now they’re facing bigger challenges than us, were playing a sport and they are protecting the country.”
Tickets to the SUNS v Geelong match at Riverway Stadium are still available, click here for details.
