Asher Parsons with Channel Seven presenter Hamish Blake at the SCG.
What started out as a normal Monday for the Parsons household earlier this year soon became a trip of a lifetime.
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Young Asher was told he would be an NAB Auskicker of the Week, which puts him in the running for Auskicker of the Year later in the season.
The honour, which was actually bestowed on him in June but not officially announced until the weekend, saw the whole family jetting off for an all expenses paid trip to Sydney.
They even managed to sneak in a return trip on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly.
As part of his prize, Asher and his family attended the St Kilda v Sydney game at the SCG in round 15.
This was Asher’s first live AFL experience, followed up soon after in round 17 when the family bought tickets to attend a game closer to home.
Asher during his interview with Hamish McLaughlin.
It was at that round 14 game that the Collingwood-mad Asher met Channel Seven sports broadcaster Hamish McLaughlin.
McLauglin happily took Asher to meet a number of St Kilda players who were warming up before the game.
The pair then sat down for an interview to be aired on Channel Seven, and McLaughlin had met his match.
After a brief introduction he noticed Asher had the numbers 35 and 7 etched into his haircut on either side. So he asked “who cut your hair ?,
Asher calmly replied, “a hairdresser”, to which McLaughlin added “ask a stupid question, get a basic answer”.
The numbers 35 and 7 refer to Asher’s idols, Collingwood greats Peter, Nick and Josh Daicos.
He also has a bird named Varco, after retired player Travis Varco.
His interview caught the eye of his idols, with Nick Daicos sharing a video of the interview on his personal Instagram account with the caption “would love to meet you mate”.
Asher Parsons meeting St Kilda players as they were doing their warm up on the SCG.
The footy fun continued for Asher in Sydney earlier in the year, when he was invited on to the hallowed SCG turf during halftime for a kick.
The crowd cheered and he waved back in appreciation, feeling the rock star vibe.
When asked by McLaughlin how he would spend the $5000 if he won Auskicker of the Year, Asher said he would use it to buy Collingwood game tickets, organise a training session with Peter, Nick and Josh Daicos and buy some training jerseys.
Asher and his family get another free football experience as part of the program.
His nomination means they will get an AFL grand final experience over three days.
Asher and other nominees for the Auskicker of the Year will play on the MCG at half time, and will present medals to players from the winning team.
And of course there’s also that $5000 prize up for grabs too.
Auskick is designed to give the kids the opportunity to be active, learn fundamental footy skills and to promote fun, and a healthy lifestyle while ensuring the game’s future champions realise their potential.
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