SEVEN-year-old James Rutten from Bridgetown will be among some of the greatest names in the history of AFL as he participates in the grand final parade and steps onto the MCG on grand final day.
The Bridgetown Bulldogs junior football player was nominated by his mum, Alison, as she enrolled him into the Auskick competition earlier this year.
James was a little overwhelmed when the family were contacted to advise that be had been selected as the round 17 nominee for the 2016 NAB AFL Auskicker of the year, which so far has resulted in him playing at Domain Stadium in Perth as well as a live interview by legendary AFL commentator Matthew “Richo” Richardson.
The St Brigid’s Primary School year 2 pupil will attend a Brownlow Medal like function on the Thursday night before the grand final in Melbourne, where the Auskicker of the Year winner will be announced.
Following this he will participate in the official AFL grand final march on Friday and hand out a premiership medal to one of the winning team members after the game on Saturday.
The Auskicker of the Year wins $5000 and places the medal on the neck of the premiership Captain.
James and dad Josh will attend the grand final together, which according to Alison provides a great father and son experience.
The interview between James and Richo can be viewed online at donnybrookmail.com.au.
