On Thursday 27 April 2006, Victorian primary school Mill Park Heights hosted the official launch of AFLKids, the AFL-approved series of footy books for children. Over 1100 students, dressed in their football club's colours, joined past and present AFL champions on the school oval to celebrate the occasion.

Master of Ceremonies was ex-Western Bulldogs star Paul Dimattina who, along with ex- Geelong and Essendon ruckman John Barnes, entertained the children and talked to them about the importance of literacy. Alongside these legendary champions were current AFL players Adam McPhee (Essendon), Barnaby French (Carlton) and Michael West (Western Bulldogs). The children were in awe of their presence, seeing their football heroes larger than life.

Author of the series, Michael Sedunary, told the young audience the real story of Corey Enright's lucky jocks and revealed the truth behind Bomber Betty's bug-beating brew. Illustrator of the series, Paul Harvey, told the crowd who were his favourite players to draw. He said Adam McPhee was easy, he just put Nick Riewoldt's head on an Essendon body! Paul Harvey also did caricatures of student prize-winners in the footy quiz and goal-kicking competition.

The festivities drew to a close with past and present players, as well as the illustrator and author, signing autographs for an excited bunch of real-life AFLKids.

Adam McPhee and Michael West with young readers.

(L-R) Michael West (Bulldogs), Paul Harvey (illustrator), Adam
McPhee (Bombers), Michael Sedunary (author) and Barnaby French
(Blues).

Master of Ceremonies (L-R) John Barnes and Paul Dimattina