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Geelong youngsters Hunter Armstrong and Tom Bandy to represent Team NAB AFL Auskick in grand final week

Two Geelong youngsters will be right in the thick of the grand final action — and their talent matches their personality. Plus, one may be luring the other to his club.

Hunter spots an option. Picture: AFL Photos
Hunter spots an option. Picture: AFL Photos

Two Geelong youngsters will be running out on the hallowed turf of the MCG on grand final day for a different team.

Best friends Hunter Armstrong and Tom Bandy will be representing Team NAB AFL Auskick in grand final week, a dream come true for the pair – particularly for young Hunter.

A Collingwood fan, Hunter loves Nick Daicos, Jack Crisp and Darcy Moore and could have the honour of handing one of them a premiership medallion if the Pies salute against Brisbane on Saturday.

In fact, he loves them so much that it he wants them to be part of his family.

Tom (left) and Hunter are part of Team NAB AFL Auskick. Picture: Supplied
Tom (left) and Hunter are part of Team NAB AFL Auskick. Picture: Supplied
Tom is a Tiger and Hunter supports the Magpies.
Tom is a Tiger and Hunter supports the Magpies.

“If I could have just one thing in the world I would want all of the Collingwood players to be my brothers and for them to come to my birthday party,” Hunter said.

A big fan of Dustin Martin, Shai Bolton, Tom Lynch and Daniel Rioli, Tom bleeds yellow and black but will be barracking for Collingwood to support Hunter.

“I hope Collingwood win, because the Tigers didn’t make the finals and Hunter LOVES the Magpies,” Tom said.

Newcomb Power scouts might want to keep a close eye on the halftime Auskick match.

Hunter, who plays Auskick at Newcomb, is set to lure livewire forward Tom from East Geelong Auskick to Newcomb junior footy club where Hunter’s father – who once played for Carlton’s under-17 side – will coach the boys.

But Tom has thoroughly enjoyed his time at East Geelong, where he has perfected his Shai Bolton-esque bananas from the boundary.

Hunter Armstrong with Nick Daicos. Picture: Supplied
Hunter Armstrong with Nick Daicos. Picture: Supplied
Hunter running out with Newcomb's senior side. Picture: Supplied
Hunter running out with Newcomb's senior side. Picture: Supplied
Tom practising his snaps. Picture: Supplied
Tom practising his snaps. Picture: Supplied
Tom in action on the MCG. Picture: Supplied
Tom in action on the MCG. Picture: Supplied
Tom is a Richmond fan.
Tom is a Richmond fan.

“I want to play footy with Newcomb next year because my best friend Hunter plays there and his dad will be our coach,” Tom said.

“I feel proud and excited to represent East Geelong. I love representing them because they teach me how to be a great team player and they always make every training session heaps of fun, with lots of running, footy skills, obstacle courses and hot dogs to finish every night.

“I want to play full forward so I can kick big goals like Tom Lynch and banana kicks from the boundary line like Shai Bolton. I practice them ALL the time. ”

And if he does make it to the big league, Tom could pursue the No. 1 thing he wants in the world.

“A whole island to share with all my friends – NO ADULTS!!!!!” Hunter exclaimed.

Originally published as Geelong youngsters Hunter Armstrong and Tom Bandy to represent Team NAB AFL Auskick in grand final week

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/geelong-youngsters-hunter-armstrong-and-tom-bandy-to-represent-team-nab-afl-auskick-in-grand-final-week/news-story/7a3773dc6b34805b4c5a2f7dc82c9608