Aegis Park was again buzzing with footballs flying, and enthusiastic team members giving their all. It wasn't the Kangaroos' players making an early return though; instead there were 100 primary school students competing in The Huddle's inaugural North Cup.

Flemington's Debney Meadows Primary School and North Melbourne's St Michael's Primary School took to the field to battle it out as part of the Multicultural Schools Program.

With the majority of the students born overseas or their parents born overseas, the program provided an insightful introduction to Australian Rules football.

For the grade three and four girls of Debney Meadows, the opportunity to learn a new game proved exciting.  

"I only have sisters but they don't know how to play footy yet because they're smaller than me. So I teach them, but most of the time when my uncle kicks it to me I like to get the football. We're better than the boys," Bakhata said.

Dr Sonja Hood, GM The Huddle says 2013 has been a memorable year for the program, with more participation than ever before.

"We have welcomed hundreds of young students through The Huddle this year, many of whom have never played Aussie Rules before," Hood said.
"The program promotes the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and we believe AFL is a great way to engage these children in their local community whilst providing a sense of belonging through the fun and excitement that football provides."

The final winners on the day were Debney Meadows in the boys division and St Michael's for the girls.