Black drops in to inspire Boomers

North Melbourne forward Aaron Black used his side’s round eight bye to return to Bunbury and provide a boost to his junior club, the Eaton Boomers, ahead of its Sportsman’s Evening later this month.

Black donated two Kangaroos’ jumpers, one signed by the entire North Melbourne squad, for the Boomers to auction off during the event.

The 25th pick in the 2009 National Draft, Black has kicked 45 goals in 29 games for the Kangaroos after beginning his career at Eaton.

“I love coming back here, I keep a close eye on all the boys and how they’re going and it was good to see them win their first premiership last year, ” Black said.

Black won the Trophies West Medal in a losing colts grand final in 2008 but said he would swap the individual honour for a flag with his first club in a heartbeat.

“The colts’ final was against Carey Park and we lost by a point – it was pretty bittersweet getting the best on ground award after we’d lost, " he said.

“I guess personally it was a good game but a lot of boys had good games that day, we just needed one more kick to get over the line.”

Eaton Boomers president Phil Napoli said the second North Melbourne jumper would be signed by 1975 Kangaroos premiership player Sam Kekovich, who along with Ken Judge and Kim Hughes will host the May 22 event.

"On the night we’ll auction if off and whoever wins will get a photo with Kekovich and the jumper which we’ll frame, ” he said.

Also up for grabs on the night are a Carlton jumper signed by coach Mick Malthouse, Chris Judd and Marc Murphy and a Geelong guernsey signed by coach Chris Scott, Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartell.

The Eaton Boomers’ Sportsman’s Evening takes place on Thursday, May 22 from 7pm at Flanagan’s Bar, Bunbury Turf Club.

Tickets are $50 per person and include finger food with a licensed bar also in operation.

For more information contact Phil Napoli on 0416 168 364 or sponsorship and fundraising director Craig Gray on 0429 957 951.