He brought in five times the normal crowd and inspired the Tuggeranong Hawks to their first win of the NEAFL season, so it’s little wonder the ACT club is keen for a second Jason Akermanis-cameo.
The Brownlow Medallist and three-time AFL premiership player was in Canberra last weekend for a guest appearance in the Hawks’ clash with GWS reserves, which they duly won 18.10 (118) 13.11 (89).
Akermanis was a solid contributor with 28 possessions and three goals, but as hoped, his biggest influence was felt at the gate.
Hawks football manager David Graham said they counted 4157 fans, a huge swell compared to the usual crowds of anywhere between 400 and 800 people.
“It was a really positive experience,” he told AAP on Friday.
“We hadn’t won a game since round 16 of last season and Jason didn’t win the game for us, but he certainly showed our boys how to play good quality football.
“It was all a win for the club.”
Graham is planning a repeat performance for the Hawks next season and will be fighting to secure Akermanis for at least one game, and hopefully a few more.
Originally the club hoped to have Akermanis for four games this year, but the AFL wouldn’t grant him the requisite interchange permit.
Graham wouldn’t put a figure on the fly-in, fly-out performance and what it made for the club, but said they’d clearly come out ahead having only forked out for his flights and incidentals, like jumpers and shorts.
Sponsors footed the bill for his game fee and accommodation.
A look at other prominent AFL players is also on the cards, with Tuggeranong one of the most financially cash-strapped clubs of the eastern conference.
It’s the only one without a licensed premises to help with bills.
“That’s why we have to think outside the square and that’s why we thought of Jason,” Graham said.
He was full of praise for the sometimes controversial Akermanis, who most recently got in hot water with some frank comments he made on radio about the late Jim Stynes.
“He’s a great bloke, and his whole ethos is he wants to help clubs that need a hand.
“He’s not a mercenary.
“What you see is what you get.”
The Hawks are hoping the Akermanis effect lasts long enough for them to secure their second win on Saturday when they play Morningside.
