Wollongong Lions will have a Carlton AFL legend in their corner on their return to AFL South Coast this season with Anthony Koutoufides agreeing to become the club's patron.
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An All Australian and premiership player with the Blues in 1995 and one of the greatest players of his era, Koutoufides lent his support promoting junior AFL participation last week.
Koutoufides and new Lions coach Craig Morrison were premiership teammates at Melbourne club Deer Park in 2012 with their continued friendship leading to the Carlton star accepting an invitation to training.
"Kouta" was humble and generous with his time and enjoyed having a kick with Lions juniors and kids from other local AFL clubs, plus Lions senior players.
Koutoufides spoke about his time playing AFL, while many starry-eyed parents couldn't quite believe the Lions had the backing of a player who mesmerised fans for a decade with his silky skills and athleticism.
Australian Rules fans will never forget Koutoufides' best-on-ground performance for the Blues in the 1999 preliminary final victory over Essendon in what remains one of the greatest finals' displays.
A humble superstar, Koutoufides has agreed to be the Lions patron, with the club preparing for its return to the South Coast competition after 25 years playing in the elite Sydney comp.
In a big week for AFL the Sydney Swans have run clinics, visited schools and attended club functions to promote the code.
Illawarra junior clubs are registering teams through the AFL South Coast website.
