Michael Willson

Wildcats

The Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats

Pictures by Michael Willson. Words by Celia Drummond.

The Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats were established in *** and are based in ***. The have *** registered players. -----Insert more words about history/popularity of club----- -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Cre

01/20 - With a near 50 year history, the Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats are a close-knit club with a strong community focus. This is their first year participating in The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle, which they have entered to support their Indigenous players to buy footy boots and uniforms.

02/20 - The club’s inclusive culture recently made headlines when a game day photo of young Wildcat Gemma Klose, helping an opponent tie her laces in the goal square went viral. Gemma will even tie her brother Ryan’s shoelaces before his match if he asks nicely.


The morning bbq is a ritual that fills the air with *** -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

03/20 - Arriving at the ground each Saturday, the pre-match BBQ lures players and parents alike.Not many can resist the smell of cooking onions.

The Wildcats play their home matches at the picturesque Stirling Oval -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/

04/20 - The Wildcats play their home matches at the picturesque Stirling Oval in Canberra.

The Wildcats place a big emphasis on milestone matches for players with banners prepared for players who play 50, 75 and 100 plus matches -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval

05/20 - The Wildcats place a big emphasis on milestone matches. A special banner ensures all players who play 50, 75 or 100 matches are celebrated as they run out onto the field.

Each match begins with a hands in chant from the players -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

06/20 - All hands in … “Go Wildcats!” and let the matches begin!

The Wildcats have ** mixed teams. Pictured here is ** year old ** well and truly mixing it with the boys -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Au

07/20 - The Wildcats have a number of teams for all ages and genders. On Saturday, this particular mixed team was on fire as they kicked their way to a win.

The passion of the players is evident -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

08/20 - Back in the changerooms, the players belt out the team song loud and proud.

Despite the chilly mornings, The Wildcats also cater for the young ones with Auskick sessions held concurrently with matches -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20,

09/20 - Despite the chilly mornings, the Wildcats cater for the young ones too. Auskick sessions run concurrently with matches, so everyone can get their hands on the footy.

The Wildcats Auskick Pro Under 8 matches are also popular -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

10/20 - The Wildcats also have a number of Auskick Pro teams.

A mixture of parents and volunteers circle the ground, with a clear emphasis on fun *** (mention phrases on sign) -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Can

11/20 - As games progress, adults watch their young charges with pride. The emphasis is on fun here, and looking after each other is paramount.

The Wildcats celebrate diversity, they even launched a Diversity program in 2019 (see Facebook page for details) -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canb

12/20 - The Wildcats are diverse and proud of it, having recently started an AFL talent program for their indigenous and multicultural players. A fantastic initiative for local kids to get involved, and to develop their footy skills through quality coaching.

And equality with *** girls teams -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

13/20 - The club is also big on equality. With a growing number of female registrations, these girls are kicking goals.

The coaches ride every bump with the players, and rarely have any fingernails left after matches -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia.

14/20 - Fingernails always look a little worse for wear after a Saturday, as the coaches ride every bump and contest with their players.

It's important to celebrate the wins with teammates -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

15/20 - High five! The Wildcats love to celebrate their goals with teammates.

The half-time oranges are always a massive hit -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

16/20 - The half-time oranges are always a massive hit.

The team song is always sung proudly -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

17/20 - Thanks to those oranges, another win is chalked up for the morning.

The teams best players receive Gatorade's from the coach -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

18/20 - As the morning draws to a close, the best players from each team receive a celebratory Gatorade from the coach in the changerooms…

And Mum and Dad -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

19/20 - …and a celebratory hug from Mum and Dad.

The club would not survive without the tireless work of volunteers such as *** (left) and Trudy Fair (right) -------------- CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Toyota Good For Footy Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats at Stirling Oval on July 20, 2019 in Canberra

20/20 - Without the tireless work of its volunteers, the club couldn’t survive. Everyone, including President Trudi Fajri (right), pitches in to ensure a great day out for all. This community spirit is why the Weston Creek Molonglo Wildcats are a brilliant example of Toyota’s Good for Footy in action!

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