Among the unexpected highlights of this AFL season, seeing Prince Harry kick a footy with Western Bulldogs players Adam Treloar, Matt Kennedy, and Tom Liberatore at Whitten Oval was certainly one of them.

On Wednesday, the Duke of Sussex joined the trio, experimenting with his footy skills under their guidance.

This visit was part of a Movember initiative aimed at raising awareness for men’s mental health.

As the players kicked the footy, The Wiggles entertained in the background, making it quite an unusual mid-week training session.

Kennedy was seen wearing a Bulldogs scarf during their interaction, later admitting he intended to give it to the Duke but felt too nervous to do so at the moment.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge noted that the rest of the team, himself included, missed the chance to meet Prince Harry.

“Regrettably, most of us missed meeting him, which is a shame, as it would have been wonderful,” Beveridge shared with journalists on Thursday.

“I have a deep respect for both princes, considering their dedication to military service, and Harry’s 10 years in the army, including two tours in Afghanistan, makes me wish I could have at least shaken his hand.”

“It was a rare privilege for those three players, and I think Liberatore was the perfect choice for a handshake. I hope he remembered to bow, as is customary with royals, though I’m not sure he did. It was fantastic to have Prince Harry here.”

Beveridge explained the rationale behind choosing Treloar, Kennedy, and Liberatore to meet Harry, highlighting the significance of fatherhood.

“All three of them are fathers, which is why we selected them,” he explained.

“I couldn’t get close to him. I only saw him from a distance. It was nice to be in his presence. Although I’m not necessarily a monarchist or royalist, he appears to have a certain aura about him. However, I couldn’t approach him.”

Liberatore, recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to return for the Bulldogs as they gear up to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Friday.

Amid the many surprises this AFL season, we certainly didn’t anticipate seeing Prince Harry having a kick of the footy with Western Bulldogs players Adam Treloar, Matt Kennedy, and Tom Liberatore at Whitten Oval.

However, that was precisely the unexpected scene we witnessed on Wednesday, as the Duke of Sussex enjoyed some footy fun with the assistance of the trio of seasoned players.

This visit was part of a campaign for Movember, aimed at raising awareness for men’s mental health.

As he kicked the footy with the players, The Wiggles could be heard performing in the background, making for a rather unusual mid-week training session.

Kennedy was spotted sporting a Bulldogs scarf during their chat. Later, he admitted that he intended to give the scarf to the Duke but hesitated and ultimately felt too shy to present it.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge disclosed that the remainder of the team, including himself, missed out on the opportunity to meet Prince Harry.

“Sadly, most of us didn’t get the chance to meet him, which is a bit of a shame—it would have been fantastic,” Beveridge shared with reporters on Thursday.

“I hold a healthy admiration for both princes given their commitment to military service. With ten years in the army and two tours in Afghanistan, I would have liked to shake his hand just to introduce myself.”

“It was a unique privilege for those three players, and I believe Liberatore was the right choice to have met him. I hope he remembered to bow, as is customary with royals. I’m not sure if he did, but it was brilliant to host Prince Harry here.”

Beveridge also explained why Treloar, Kennedy, and Liberatore were selected for this occasion over other club members.

“It was related to fatherhood. All three of those lads are fathers, and that was one of the reasons we chose them,” he noted.

“I couldn’t get close to him at all; I saw him from a distance. It was wonderful to be in his presence. I’m not a monarchist or royalist, yet he does have a certain aura about him. But unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get near him.”

Meanwhile, Liberatore (hamstring) is expected to make his return as the Bulldogs gear up to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Friday.