AFL Coaches will shake hands with the umpires prior to each game of the upcoming 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, to deliver a message on the importance of respect towards umpires for all levels of the game. The AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA) held its AGM in Melbourne last week, at Etihad Stadium, and CEO Danny Frawley said the 16 AFL coaches were united in wanting to do something that will have an impact at community level.

Coaches and umpires have previously met in the team rooms but in 2010, at the request of experienced coaches such as Mick Malthouse, they will meet in the middle of the ground prior to the start of play. “While AFL coaches are aware of their responsibility in educating community coaches, all coaches can influence players, supporters, parents and administrators as we strive to provide a positive match day environment for all participants, including umpires,” Mr Frawley said.

WEST Coast Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui and South Fremantle premiership player Paul Mugambwa will each appear as special guests at Multicultural Football Carnivals being held north and south of the river next week.

Naitanui, who’s family is from Fiji, and Mugambwa, of Ugandan descent, will both speak about the important role football has played in their lives and encourage others from multicultural backgrounds to have a go, not only at the carnivals, but through local community clubs. Mugambwa played junior football at Bullcreek Leeming JFC.

The first carnival on Monday, March 22, will see EFTel Oval a-buzz with more than 200 school students, participating in the AFL Multicultural ‘South of the River’ carnival. Two days later, on March 24, another 200 school children will head to Lightning Park in Noranda for the ‘North of the River’ carnival.