Essendon players spent Wednesday out in the community, connecting with more than 1,600 students and junior footballers across Melbourne's north-west as part of the Club's AFL Victoria school and junior club visit program.

The Bombers' AFL and AFLW squads visited 12 schools stretching from Essendon's backyard in Pascoe Vale, Coburg, Jacana, Craigieburn and Glenroy through to the Macedon Ranges, including Romsey and Kyneton.

More than 1,000 students from Years 3 to 10 took part in the visits, with players spending the day engaging with students through Q&A sessions, autograph signings and plenty of fun.

Players also rewarded some of the day's most engaged students, handing out Essendon merchandise to those who asked standout questions during the school sessions.

The community engagement continued into the afternoon, with players heading out to visit junior football clubs across Oak Park, West Coburg, East Keilor, Westmeadows, Romsey and Kyneton. 

The visits focused particularly on younger participants, supporting grassroots football participation while providing local clubs with a unique opportunity to connect their players and families with their AFL and AFLW heroes.

For junior footballers, it was an opportunity to learn from, train alongside and ask questions of their role models.

For clubs, the visits became community events that brought players, families and volunteers together, further strengthening local football networks across the region.

If you’d like our AFL or AFLW players to visit your school, club, or organisation, please register your interest by emailing community@essendonfc.com.au.

We release player appearance Expressions of Interest throughout both the AFL and AFLW seasons. Please note we receive a high volume of requests, and opportunities are considered on a case-by-case basis.