It may have been an early start for Essendon’s Alwyn Davey this morning, but it was a cause well worth getting up for as he served breakfast to the homeless in Fitzroy this morning.

Davey, was joined by students and elders from the Wadeye – a remote community south-west of Darwin – to brighten the faces of some of Melbourne’s less fortunate.

The early morning winter chill could not wipe the delight from the students’ faces as they worked alongside Davey to serve the homeless a warm breakfast.

The Wadeye group are in Melbourne for the week as part of a leadership program run by the Essendon players. Their visit includes leadership and team-building exercises, goal-setting sessions, fitness testing with the playing group and a tour of the Koori heritage trust.

Last night, the group took part in their first ever football training session with Aberfeldie’s U12 side. On Saturday night they will make their way to the MCG for Essendon’s Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster against Richmond.

The club established its connection with the Wadeye community through the AFL’s Fostership Program. They are one of only four AFL clubs to be engaged with Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory through the program.
 
Yesterday, Davey attended a game between Indigenous team Santa Teresa and Victoria Police as part of his Army Award duties.
 
Davey met the visiting Territory players and gave them some words of advice.