SA town adorns the red and blue

The outback town of Wudinna in regional South Australia has put out red and blue colours in support of homegrown football player Harry Petty, who is playing for the Melbourne Demons in Saturday’s AFL grand final.

It Is the first time in the AFL’s history the grand final will be played in Perth and it Is only Petty’s 30th game with the club.

A large group of the Petty family have travelled to Western Australia for the game, with no current border closures between the two states.

The player’s uncle, Zane Petty, said it has been incredible seeing his nephew grow from strength to strength in a short period of time.

Sister’s influence

Zane Petty said Harry’s sister, Adelaide Thunderbirds captain Hannah Petty, provided motivation to her brother to get into professional sport.

“She set him up — if you work hard and believe in it and want to do it — you’ll do it,” Mr Petty said.

Hannah Petty said she is excited to see her brother play in the grand final.

Hannah Petty has been a strong mentor for her brother.(

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“I think it will all sink in when we see him out on the oval in the Dees’ colours,” Ms Petty said.

“I think Wudinna will be looking forward to flicking the telly on, and watching the game.

Harry Petty said he was ready for the grand final.

“It’s always a dream for myself as a youngster, always dreamt of running out there in front of 100, 000 at the MCG, obviously not at the G this year — but very excited,” Mr Petty said.