The zoom calls were in full swing as Freo’s entire AFL playing group connected with school students all across WA as part of the club’s 2021 virtual community camp on Thursday afternoon.
 
Schools from Derby to Southern Cross took part, as the players split into groups to conduct question-and-answer sessions with the students.

All 43 players worked the phones, while senior coach Justin Longmuir also participated in a coach’s webinar with Adam Simpson, which was viewed by 800 registered coaches.
 
These school appearances were regional and metro schools aligned with our NGA & WAFL zones including;
 
- Waggrakine Primary School
- Challis Primary School
- South Coogee Primary School
- Derby Holy Rosary Primary School
- Southern Cross District High School
- Pingelly Primary School
- Wickepin Primary School
- Narembeen
 
In addition, 92 individual phone calls were made by the players to volunteers (umpires, presidents, coaches, registrars etc) to pass on our appreciation and recognition for the efforts that they do for the growth of and development of football.
 
Midfielder Caleb Serong was part of a lively group who video called students at South Coogee Primary School.
 
The Fremantle young gun was grouped with Lachie Schultz, Brett Bewley, Josh Treacy and Griffin Logue who did his best to provide the laughs.

“It was great to get involved…there was a big classroom of kids and they were pretty excited to see us and have a chat,” Serong said.
 
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get out to the schools like we usually do and have our community camp in person.
 
“But, it was great to see the kids’ faces and see them having a good time and asking some great questions.
 
“We had Griffin Logue in our group… he runs the show and we just take a back seat to the Griff Logue show.
 
“It was good fun; he was getting the kids laughing and getting us laughing as well.”

Serong said it was the perfect opportunity to give the students an insight on the day-to-day responsibilities of professional athletes and answer any burning questions.
 
“It was good to run through what we do each day…we were in the lecture theatre, which is our team meeting room, so I spoke about what we do in that room and what we get up to in a normal week,” Serong said.
 
“It was great to then open the floor and have the kids ask us a few questions…it was good fun and the kids enjoyed it as well!”
 
On Tuesday 23 March the entire squad will also be contacting 100 Auskickers as a surprise call as part of the AAMI Virtual Community Camp.