AFL stars on Swysh: How to buy a video message from a footballer

Time is running out to buy those last-minute Christmas gifts and we’ve got you covered with a guide to the ultimate gift for any AFL fan.

Would you pay Dipper for a birthday message?

How much would you pay for a Christmas message from your favourite AFL player?

$350?

$280?

Or a $40 bargain?

Fans can connect with players like Patrick Dangerfield and legends such as Matthew Richardson on video service Swysh.

They can request personal messages which can be sent to family or friends as a gift.

Players vary in what they charge, with Christian Petracca and Dangerfield (both $350) the dearest of the present player crop.

VOTE FOR THE BEST VALUE AFL PLAYERS BELOW

Touk Miller ($50), Josh Rachele ($60), Harris Andrews ($50) and Tom McDonald ($40) all look like bargain buys considering their status in the game and among fans. Oliver Henry charges just $20.

Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico is the top-priced past player at $280, while messages from Brendan Fevola and Dane Swan both cost $200. Kevin Sheedy asks for $150, and for older fans Ron Barassi is a relatively cheap $95.

For past players, the platform offers a unique way to keep connected with fans, according to former Demon Russell Robertson. Robertson charges $80, and his messages can come with the added bonus of being sung while he plays his guitar, or with surprise appearances from other Melbourne players.

“I think it’s a brilliant concept,” Robertson said.

“I’ve found it to be a feel-good awesome thing. Someone like me, I don’t command a lot. I’ve only made a handful of bucks out of it.

“Over the years, I’ve done a million messages, and a little bit of remuneration sometimes for time and effort is not a bad thing.

“I see now what it truly means to our supporters. They adore me, Neita (David Neitz), (Adam) Yze, Whitey (Jeff White), because we played for Melbourne. They love us because we represent a time in their lives that was special to them.

“I feel that love and I love that I’m part of somebody’s life like that. The supporters just want to feel connected and involved, and what a great gift idea too.”

Fans leave reviews on messages and give them a rating in a similar system to Uber.