West Coast Eagles development players Corey Adamson and Luke Partington ventured to the Pilbara recently for the club’s final Kicking Goals excursion of season 2016.

The players were joined by schools and community program coordinator Kim Hannah, community engagement officer James Grabski, digital and social media producer Kate Orme and, of course, Rick the Rock.

The week commenced in Port Hedland where Rick, Kim and James visited Cassia Primary School, Cassia Education Support School, Baler Primary School, South Hedland Primary School and Port Hedland Primary School and delivered messages regarding healthy eating, the value of exercise and the means by which to develop resilience in order to cope with life’s challenges.

After completing its school visits, the club’s community team attended a local Auskick centre to see the developing skills of budding Pilbara football stars.

The group shifted its focus to the region’s high schools the following day. Kim, James and Corey delivered football clinics sessions to the Kicking Goals program at Hedland Senior High School while Kate and Luke addressed students at Newman Senior High School.

Both High School visits were part of the Kicking Goals program, which has now run in conjunction with BHP Billiton and V-Swans for nine years. The program encourages good behaviour, increased attendance at school and volunteerism within the community. V-Swans continue to employ full time staff to deliver the Kicking Goals program, which has been recognised for its positive results via nominations for several awards.

At the conclusion of the day Corey ran a coaching clinic for Strength2Succeed program participants.

This is another program run by V-Swans staff directed at footballers who want to make the most of their ability as both players and members of the local community.

As players and communications staff headed back to Perth, the community team saddled up and headed to Karratha. With two days in one of the Pilbara’s Twin Cities up its sleeves, the team managed to deliver its Eagles Rock my School program to Baynton West Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School, Pegs Creek Primary School and Millers Well Primary School.

Not content with delivering these messages in Karratha alone, Rick insisted the team also venture to Roebourne District High School. It was a stroke of genius by Rick, as the kids at Roebourne appeared to thoroughly enjoy his presence.

Having now covered a reasonable portion of the Pilbara, the team thought its travelling was done. Rick had other ideas and was keen to visit Dampier, the home of two of his good mates, Dean Cox and Red Dog.

Unlike Red Dog, Rick didn’t go ‘nose to nose’ with Dean Cox, but he did meet some of the premiership star’s friends and family at Dampier Primary School. It was another strong indication that the Pilbara is a great place full of friendly and welcoming people.

As Rick flew off toward Perth and Kim and James prepared for their Virgin Australia flight home, it felt like a job well done in a place near and dear to the West Coast Eagles’ heart.