Geraldton girl one of lucky few to present Grand Final medals

Geraldton girl Scarlet Boddington lived out every footy-mad kid’s dream last weekend.

The six-year-old from Wonthella was one of 23 Auskick children assigned one of the most important jobs on AFL grand final day, presenting the victorious Melbourne players with their premiership medals.

Scarlet started Auskick this year, yet she was chosen from a random draw of kids from across the State to win the trip with her mum and dad to see the big dance.

“We had no idea ... they just said ‘we’ve got a surprise for you’,” Scarlet’s mum Tori Atherton said.

Most would be nervous, but Scarlet said she was cool as a cucumber walking out in front of the 61,118 crowd that packed Optus Stadium. She played in the traditional Auskick game at half-time, before placing a premiership medal around the neck of small forward Kysaiah Pickett — one of three WA players for the Dees.

A Fremantle supporter, Scarlet has footy in her blood. Mum plays for Brigades, and Dad plays for Rovers. Much like Pickett, she said her favourite thing to do was “kick at the goals”.

Ms Atherton said while they scored great seats for the game, right behind the goals, they were on the wrong side to see Scarlet present the medal. Watching along on the big screen made for a proud moment nonetheless.