Since 2018 Essendon Fields has sponsored the Airport West Eagles Football Club Juniors as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting and working with the local community. Kicking off his AFL career in 2018 was now 12-year-old Lachlan Mason, who last weekend played his 50th game for the club.

Lachlan Mason celebrated 50 games with his family at Hansen Reserve AWFC home ground. An iconic banner was prepared which he ran through with his sister, while his team mates, other junior players, supporters and senior players of the club cheered.

“The U12s team started the game very well, to eventually win by 25 points. Lachlan then went and helped out the older U14’s win away from home by 1 point so a double win for game 50 and 51!” said Junior Vice President at Airport West Football Club, Jason Mason.

Essendon Fields supports a range of local community organisations and recognises the important role that local sport plays, especially by encouraging junior participation in regular physical activity and instilling the value of teamwork.

Airport West Football Club has been a feature of the Essendon District Football League for 60 years and promotes participation across both genders and all ages – with teams in both junior boys and mixed competitions as well as senior men’s and women’s teams.

“The club is delivering a really strong Junior football program this season with a 33% growth in participation levels in comparison on last, fielding 12 teams in the Essendon District Football League,” said Mr Mason. 

“We have plenty happening on field and off with our Ladies Day this May, Family Day and NAIDOC plans for June, and with a club focus on maintaining our Premier League status in between. Plus we’re working on new fencing and a time keepers box, and just welcomed a new scoreboard alongside new carpet and paint work in the club rooms. Many of these events or upgrades cannot be delivered without the support of our community and important relationships with our sponsors such as Essendon Fields. Our club is grateful to have Essendon Fields on our team, supporting all levels of our drive to be the place for our community to learn and play football with their friends.”

Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan said Essendon Fields was proud to continue to support organisations that encourage diversity, inclusion and accessibility to maximise social benefit.

“It’s been a great partnership so far, and we’re proud to have been able to provide support to the team, both on and off the field,” said Brendan Pihan, CEO Essendon Fields.

“We are proud to be a part of the Airport West Football Club community and wish Lachlan all the best in reaching his 100th game with the club!” finished Mr Pihan.

For more information on Essendon Fields community engagement or how you can apply for a Friends Of The Fields grant, please click here.