The small Riverina town of Mirrool is home to fewer than 30 people, but come 11 October, more than 800 people are expected to take part in the annual Silo Kick. Photo: Bland Shire Council.
Geelong legend and Jerilderie product Billy Brownless built his career around his hilarious personality, his on-air antics and most notably his ability to kick an AFL football.
At no point in his career was he more popular than in 1988, which just so happened to be the year he returned to the Riverina for a friend’s wedding.
It’s also the place where he successfully kicked a footy over the now iconic Mirrool Silos after making a bet for $50 with a mate that he could do it.
The event went down in local folklore to the point where, in 1992, locals invited the man back, marking the start of a yearly tradition where the region’s best kickers would attempt to beat the 34 metre high, 12 metre long towers.
Now, for a place with a population of less than 30 people, the Mirrool Silo Kick is the best and biggest day of the year, with hundreds of people expected to converge on the town.
“The event has become a 33-year-old tradition,” event organiser Graeme Maxwell said.
“It brings people in from everywhere. The region has a rich history with footy with the club down at Ardlethan, and obviously, having Billy kick it off back in the day, it’s now just part of the town.
“In the 33 years it’s run, I believe we’ve raised over $200,000.
“We use the money from the event to go to charities like FightMND and CanAssist, as well as helping out the local hospitals nearby.”
Each year the winner of the event gets their name marked down on the famous sign in front of the silo. If anyone is successful, they take home a cash prize, with this year’s jackpot set at $5000. If everyone fails, the silos claim victory, with the cash price rising even more for the following year.
The Mirrool Silo Kick returns for its 34th iteration on 11 October. Photo: Supplied.
This year, with the backing of Bland Shire Council, which has allocated $50,000 to install new amenities around the silos, which include a new playground, the Mirrool Silo Kick continues to attract attention from people across the state.
“It’s been going for a long time, but I think now that the council has got behind it, as well as a few other people, it just makes the whole day so much better,” Graeme said.
“Nobody from around here wants to see this event fold because it’s such a great day. This year has gotten even bigger; there will be plenty of entertainment for the kids like jumping castles, live music and tug of war.
“There will also be silent auctions, a bunch of memorabilia and even a vintage car show. It’s a big day, but an awesome day.”
Despite being in the heart of NSW, Mirrool and the surrounding towns are as crazy about AFL as anywhere else in the country.
Even with his kicking days behind him, Graeme – whose beloved Hawthorn Hawks still have a chance to capture the flag this year – hopes to see as many people make the trip out to Mirrool as possible.
“Registration for the event starts nice and early at 7 am on Saturday, 11 October at the Mirrool Silos, of course,” he said.
“While I personally wouldn’t be able to kick the ball more than halfway up these days, many others and I would love to see the biggest crowd ever for this year’s event.”
The Mirrool Silo Kick competition is free to register. All money raised from this year’s event will go towards Steps with Sophie, a not-for-profit which supports children and families affected by sexual abuse.
Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578.
