Meeting Mitch's Idols

As budding young footballers, Mitch, Brad and Tom use to tear around the West Leeming Primary School oval trying to emulate their AFL idols. Brad and Tom would imagine themselves as being a Ben Cousins or Michael Braun whilst Mitch wanted to be just like Mark Ricciuto or Andrew McLeod.

It is from these boyhood dreams of meeting football idols that this ride, Mates on a Mission originates. Yesterday, Brad fulfilled one of Mitch's dreams by having the opportunity to meet and chat with Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod!

The coming together of Sue, Ken and Brad with Mark and Andrew was emotional to say the least. It is easy to see why Andrew and Mark are considered statesmen of South Australian football. Both men, who are extremely busy in their own right, were so genuine with their interest and personal connection  to MOAM. Sue and Ken shared with them that at the time of Mitch's death they knew that accessing his phone was going to be easy...2332, the combined jumper numbers worn by Mark and Andrew! We could all see Mitch's smile and hear his infectious laugh when Brad donned a Crow's jumper! Mark and Andrew loved the fact that the bike being used by Brad was bought off Gumtree for $1000!!

We never miss an autograph opportunity so Andrew's and Mark's were to be no different. Words of encouragement were written on the MOAM signs with Andrew's being particularly liked and very relevant, 'Shut up legs!' What a day, what an opportunity and what a memory!

Driving away from the Colonel Light Monument we knew Mitch would have been rapt that his Mum, Dad and mate had met his idols spoken about so frequently all those years ago at West Leeming.

Ps. Rory Williams I think I'm really beginning to like the Crows!

32 and 23 with Brad at the Adelaide Oval.
Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod have been so supportive!