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.
Unlikely outback colours
Zane Petty said Wudinna was an unlikely place to wave the red and blue flag.
"I followed Port Adelaide before, like all Eyre Peninsula boys do," he laughed.
"I haven't always been a Melbourne fan until Harry got drafted; then I instantly became one."
He said it has been a strange experience to be physically separated from Harry during the season.
"We can speak to him from a distance at games; we haven't shaken his hand or given him a hug for a long time, so it's definitely overdue."
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.
"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.
