Prep Sportsmaster Brady Leckie said it was an “awesome day” with dads participating in AFL, rugby and hockey at the Mt Claremont playing fields and soccer at McGillivray Oval. “This is the first time all four winter sports have played on the one day since I introduced the AFL concept back in 2009,” Mr Leckie said.

In AFL, 36 boys and 25 dads booted up in what Mr Leckie described as “a great spectacle”. “The A team lined up against the B team, with dads choosing to play with or against their sons. The B team had a great number of dads and ran out winners by 6 points – 6.9.45 to the A team 6.3.39.”

Mr Leckie thanked the Claremont Football Club; who helped out with the umpiring along with injured players who kept the scoreboard attended and took video footage.

Hockey co-ordinator Mary Hookey said the hockey fraternity fielded four teams of 20 dads and 30 boys. “The warm up between the boys and their dads was a sight to behold,” she said. “The teams worked well together with some excellent play from both sides and great saves by the goalies. Reds beat Yellows 3-0.”

In rugby, 11 dads, two mums and a practicum student lined up against the boys. Rugby co-ordinator Jerome Griffin said the game was played in great team spirit. “The dads were beginning to get on top but I changed the rules whereby tries for the adults could only be scored by the ladies,” Mr Griffin said. “Very soon the boys worked out it was easier to cover the ladies than race after the fathers!”

At McGillivray Oval, 10 soccer dads and one older brother put their best feet forward in the Soccer A/B Father-Son Game. Soccer co-ordinator Brad Hilliard said “lots of fun was had by all”.

“It really was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to play with or against their dads in a competitive atmosphere, in their respective codes,” Mr Leckie said.

To see a video from the AFL match, click here.