Bat Parrot has again organised a memorable and heart-warming Devine AFL Legends Luncheon event - a major fundraiser for the AFL Foundation's Ladder program for homeless youth, raising an enormous $67,000 for the charity.
This event just gets bigger and better. With a sold-out corporate audience of over 400 people in the Members Dining Room at the MCG, it was a 'goalkicking legends' theme, and guests were treated to the company of some of the game's absolute greats, the announcement of the 'Top 10 Goals of All-Time', plus entertainment from comedian Andrew Startin.
The star-studded panel comprised of Leigh Matthews, Wayne Carey, Peter Daicos, Malcolm Blight and Matthew Richardson. The host was Brian Taylor.
Each of the legends voted on their favourite goals from 30 contenders dating back to 1974, and Mick McGuane etched his name in history as the kicker of the greatest goal of all-time - his famous 7-bounce run from the centre square against Carlton in 1994 at the MCG. See final top 10 list below.
However the star of the show was Maddy, a courageous and inspiring 19-year-old (or so) girl living in the Ladder housing and life program. This is her story.
At 16, Maddy’s family were moving and she was not invited to move with them. Maddy thought it was a joke or simply not true, until the removals van arrived. Maddy was all of a sudden homeless with nowhere to go. Discarded onto the streets without a second thought, to fend for herself.
Maddy roamed the city, Swanston St / Flinders St in Melbourne for over a year in survival mode. "Scumming" cigarettes, money, food as best she could, and hanging with the wrong crowd getting into trouble. You've seen them. So have I, and I've never really stopped to think "I wonder how she came to be in this situation?" The story continues.
Maddy became extremely sick and took herself to hospital. She screamed "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" She moved around, and within a year had lived in 19 different places, including a room (pretty much a tiny cell) that was rat infested, dark and cold. A terrible place to stay. I gather this is simply a 'holding pattern' at best and delays the inevitable with most kids.
Do you know that suicide is accountable for more deaths in Australia than road accidents? True.
After two years of being homeless, and faced with a decision to give up or fight, Maddy chose to fight. Maddy decided to move into a refuge in Fairfield as she was fed up and felt her luck was running out. She set herself goals. Her first goal was to eat three times a day. She had only managed to eat once a day at best for a long time now. This was a big decision, of her own making, and one that was not simple to achieve by any stretch. With sheer determination, and with the help and support of her boyfriend, Michael, Maddy was taking a positive step forward.
Maddy's progress was noticed and her case manager at the refuge told her about the Ladder program starting, and encouraged her to apply. She did and she was accepted. A massive lifeline, and a path to more dreams and a brighter future. I do wonder though how many kids applied. How many need this? There are only a dozen places at the moment....but thankfully, this will expand.
The Ladder program provides temporary housing units in Hoddle Street to around 12 homeless youths, plus life training, mentors and support. Many AFL footballers are actively involved as mentors. It's a shame you don't see Mitch Morton (Richmond) teaching kids to cook pasta on the 6pm news, or David Myers (Essendon) helping kids to repair bicycles, or Sarah Jamieson (Olympic 1500m runner) taking the kids to a day of lawn bowls. But that's what happens.
Maddy now has other dreams and aspirations. She has completed studying a hospitality course, amd her biggest dreams now - to attain community housing, and then, to start her own cafe and be her own boss.
My money is on Maddy, and I believe she will do it.
The AFL Legends Luncheon will return next year, in the first week of August at the MCG, and with another exciting 'legends' theme. Thanks to all attendees who made a difference by attending, and giving further on the day via the auction, raffle and donations.
Think we add some spice into next year's event - what about a 'Rough 'n Tough Legends' theme featuring Matthews (again), Mal Brown, Glenn Archer, Barry Hall, Jonathan Brown, and Brad Scott?
Maybe. We'll see.
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Top 10 Goals of All-Time, as voted by AFL goalkicking legends.
- Mick McGuane (1994, Coll v Car) 7 bounce run from the centre square
- Peter Daicos (1991, Coll v Rich) Famous checkside from the boundary at Vic Park
- Malcolm Blight (1976, NM v Car) 80m torpedo kick after the siren to win
- Cyril Rioli (2009, Haw v Ess) Ducking and weaving, totally elusive effort
- Wayne Carey (1999, NM v Ess) Spills mark, recovers, kicks left-foot checkside from boundary
- Phil Manassa (1977, Coll v NM) Famous run from the back-flank in GF replay
- Peter Bosustow (1981, Car v Gee) Diving smother, recovers and snaps from tight in fwd pocket
- Gary Ablett Snr (1989, Gee v Coll) Contests pack mark, swoops on loose ball, snaps from 50m
- Michael Mitchell (1990, Rich v Syd) Runs the length of the ground, 7 bounces, goals
- Lance Franklin (2010, Haw v Ess), Gathers on wing, 3 bounces at speed, goals from boundary
3AW People's Choice Award Winner: Malcolm Blight
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