Greater Western Sydney Giants star Phil Davis is excited to head to Dubbo for Friday's coaching clinic and community event.
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The Giants veteran will take part in the clinic with local juniors at South Dubbo Oval while he's also eager to mix with fans from the region, some of which have been doing it tough in recent times.
"I know that many people across the Central West are suffering because of the drought and it will be good to bring a bit of fun to the local community in the lead up to Christmas," Davis said ahead of the visit.
AFL Regional Development Manager Casey White is predicting the sport will continue to grow in the region and also feels that Davis' visit will only further help.
"This is a great opportunity for kids in Dubbo who can come down and participate in an hour and 15-minute clinic, they don't need to play AFL at all," he said.
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White admitted he was surprised by the announcement of the visit.
"It's definitely unprecedented for someone like him to come out here but it's a good thing which should bring all the community together," he said.
"We had a child at a recent clinic who knew what Davis looked like and who he was and that child does not play AFL."
Davis has played 116 matches and is one of the best defenders and leaders in the AFL, which saw him lead his side to the 2019 grand final.
They were beaten in that match by the Richmond Tigers.
Davis was also the Giants' third ever signing back when the club was beginning in 2011 and he's certain to inspire those young and old in Dubbo.
White praised Dubbo AFL for their work with local juniors to re-establish themselves in the Central West Junior competition.
"It's been great for the town, the club is sustainable for juniors and it was great for the club to come back and be apart of the Central West comp after running their own competition it's really encouraging," he said.
With the Central West AFL becoming a two-tier competition, White feels it is an exciting time for the game in the region.
"[The clinic] It will be a great chance to plug the new competition and it's going to be great and another opportunity for Dubbo to bring back a women's side and possibly a second side," he said.
White also praised the AFL 9s competition that has been running in Dubbo in recent weeks.
"The six-team competition has not many Demons players in it and the participation has been promising, with hopefully some of the players coming to play for the Demons," he said,
Friday's clinic is aimed at juniors aged between 4-17 and will be held at South Dubbo Oval from 3:45pm, and a community barbecue will follow that.