Xmas Q&A: Young AFL and AFLW stars reveal best and worst gift ideas
The AFL and AFLW’s young stars have revealed the best, worst and strangest Christmas gifts. And one is absolutely bizarre.
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Christmas is time for giving … and receiving … and a time for kicking back with family over a huge spread of food.
But is it the same for our AFL young guns?
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XAVIER DUURSMA (PORT ADELAIDE)
How much do you fork out on Christmas gifts?
I will be spending a bit this year. Not seeing the family and friends will mean I have to buy them some decent presents.
Worst present you’ve given?
The worst is a mirror for Connor Rozee last Christmas. He loves the look of himself!
Worst present you’ve received?
The worst present I have ever got was Mortein (bug spray). It was from mum, and I have no idea why she gave it to me.
What’s the training approach for Christmas?
My eating and exercise is always pretty constant and I always try to take decent care of myself. I will definitely have a few days though of enjoying the delicious foods that are presented in front of me over the Christmas/New Year’s period.
ASH RIDDELL (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Best present you’ve ever given?
A PlayStation for my partner during lockdown to keep occupied while living with my folks.
Worst present you’ve ever found in the Santa sack?
A pet spider.
WILL HAYES (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
What gift has made you happiest at Christmas time?
A horse (Hayes is the son of Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes).
What about a present that caught you by surprise?
A motorbike helmet – I don’t own a motorbike.
CHAYCE JONES (ADELAIDE)
How much are you spending on Christmas presents?
Around $50 for the immediate family members, maybe a bit less from there on out.
Worst present you’ve ever bought?
Has to be the classic stubbie holder for the old man.
Worst present you’ve ever got?
Deodorant, it means you smell. The Lynx Africa pack, with the deodorant and body wash … I’ve copped that a few times.
Your approach to Christmas-New Year eating and exercise?
I’ll maintain the same training loads, but still try and enjoy some time with the family.
JOSH BATTLE (ST KILDA)
How do you fare in the Christmas gift department?
The best gift I’ve ever received was a trip to South-East Asia.
That’s the positive, what’s the negative?
The worst present I’ve received was a very knock-off suitcase from Dad. Didn’t even last the trip.
LACHLAN SHOLL (ADELAIDE)
How much are you spending on Christmas presents?
I actually knocked off all my Christmas shopping yesterday (Wednesday, December 16). Wouldn’t say I have a set price for people, I just like finding them the right gift.
Worst present you’ve ever bought?
That would be a question for the family. I’m usually pretty good, I reckon.
Worst present you’ve ever got?
Maybe the odd board game or book I’m not really interested in. Have been pretty lucky to be honest.
Your approach to Christmas-New Year eating and exercise?
I do enjoy pigging out on Christmas ham, but you never want to undo the work you’ve done in the off-season and pre-season. I’ll be quite balanced.
JAMES HARMES (MELBOURNE)
Do you fare well for gifts at this time of year?
The best present I ever got was a new motorbike when I was about 10 years old — an XR 70.
Any gifts that you felt like handing back?
Someone gave me a toilet brush one year and told me to use it as a tooth brush because my teeth are so big.
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