So, Nic Naitanui strolled into Port Hedland last weekend, and honestly? The whole Pilbara felt like it caught a bit of that Eagles fever. Dude’s a legend, and suddenly you’ve got hundreds of kids sprinting around, clutching footies, trying to impress their hero. All this went down thanks to BHP giving the nod (and, let’s be real, the cash) for this three-day whirlwind tour.
Hedland Goes Bananas
From the minute Nic landed, the hype was wild. Claudia Bailey—the Eagles’ Youth Engagement Coordinator and low-key the town’s MVP—basically had the entire trip mapped out, making sure even the shyest kid in the back of the class got a shot to see the big guy in person.
Friday was just… chaos, in the best way. Nic and Claudia hit up every primary school in Port and South Hedland. No one left out, nobody forgotten. The day finished with this massive Super Clinic—over a hundred kids just buzzing, footballs flying everywhere, and a noise level that probably had the magpies packing their bags. For a bunch of them, it was the first time they’d ever even been near an AFL superstar. You could see the awe.
BHP: Not Just About Mining Rocks
Saturday flipped the script a bit. BHP—yeah, the mining giants—hosted their Family Day, and Nic rolled in with Claudia and Rick the Rock (the mascot, not some washed-up wrestler). The whole thing was a flex for the 20-year Eagles/BHP bromance, and honestly, you could feel the pride. Kate Holling, BHP’s General Manager Rail (fancy title, right?), called it a “milestone moment,” and she wasn’t just blowing smoke:
“Footy brings people together, and this partnership actually matters out here in the sticks.”
She reckons Nic brought a real buzz. No arguments there.
Sunday: Keeping It Real
By Sunday, things got a bit more chill. Nic rocked up at the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub, just hanging out with a handful of boys. They talked life, resilience, footy—then, just for kicks, switched to basketball. No big crowds, no big speeches. Just genuine connection. Sometimes, that’s where the magic happens, you know?
Nic couldn’t help but give props to the crew working in the Pilbara:
“Our staff are legends—they’ll pick up kids, run breakfast clubs… you name it. Seeing it up close was unreal.”
Legacy Stuff (Not Just a Buzzword)
All told, Nic’s weekend in Hedland pulled in more than 1,200 community connections. That’s not just a stat—it’s hundreds of little moments, all adding up. For the Eagles and BHP, this is about more than chasing a Sherrin. It’s about building bridges—community, culture, the whole lot.
And for those Hedland kids? Tell me they’re ever gonna forget the weekend they played footy with Nic Naitanui. Not a chance.
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