Gallery | North Melbourne community camp goes off without a hitch in Mooroopna

By Liam Nash

Feb 13, 2025

Shepparton product and North Melbourne draftee Matt Whitlock got a taste of stardom on Monday, pictured signing Sebastian Robinson’s shirt during a clinic in Mooroopna. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mooroopna Recreation Reserve transformed into a blue and white hive of activity on Monday.

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A travelling band of North Melbourne players converged on the Cattery through the AFL’s Community Camp program, drawing a hearty contingent of fans, young and old, to get a glimpse of their heroes up close.

The local link was strong, as among the visiting Kangaroos were recent draftee and Shepparton product Matt Whitlock, Girgarre’s Brayden George and Mooroopna’s Jy Simpkin.

The latter was stoked to return to his home town and give back to the club and community that helped foster him in his early pursuit of an AFL dream.

"Coming back here brings back so many memories," he said.

"I remember when I was young we had some players come out to the school. It's such a big thing for kids in the country who don't get to see players very often."