Blacklock, 23, is the AFLQ Mount Isa Development Co-ordinator after being selected to come out to the North West from Mackay for one school term to fulfil 10 weeks of non-stop footy.

While his main goal is to develop the game at a junior level in Mount Isa, Blacklock is motivated to make a more lasting impression on his temporary hometown.

“My main priority is game development but there are other things that I have sort of dabbled in here,” Blacklock said.

“We’re trying to get funding through for a junior competition here. We want to build some sort of junior committee because at the moment there is nothing in place.”

Blacklock, who has been involved in Australian Rules for more than 12 years, has highlighted the fact that there is nothing on offer for kids aged between 15 and 18.

“It is either complete juniors with no competition or seniors. But they get to 15 years old and say they’re too big to be playing littlies, but too small to play against seniors. That’s what we’re working towards out at the moment.”

Apart from his Auskick Centres, the former La Trobe University student has gone out of his way to get in contact with Inclusion Centres, School of the Air, and has even participated in talk shows on Mob FM – all in a bid to increase the awareness of footy.

“It’s just another hopeful way to try and outreach footy. I’d rather see this kids playing sport than kicking back in the streets. Footy is so much more than kicking a footy. It’s something to look forward to and teaches them good skills.”

Blacklock is encouraging boys and girls to get involved in the Mount Isa Club Auskick that runs Junior Footy at Legend Oval on Friday afternoons.

The Auskick session will commence at 5.15pm with matches being set up for the juniors while smaller kids will be doing fun skills and games with Blacklock and the parents.

“What we’re really trying to push for is that eventually there is some sort of pathway for these kids. Come down today and get involved.”