Ahead of Father's Day, Matt Ballin has been nominated for the contribution he makes to his family both on and off the field in the annual Sports Dad of the Year Award.
Now in its sixth year, the Sports Dad of the Year will highlight 10 elite athletes across a broad range of sporting fields, giving insights into how they juggle fatherhood with their sporting commitments. Last year's winner was Sydney Swans retired legend Jude Bolton. Bolton beat a hot field that included previous World surfing champion Joel Parkinson, Socceroo legend Mark Schwarzer, Black Caviar’s jockey Luke Nolen and former world boxing champion Daniel Geale.
This year's nominated Sports Dad's will be profiled on a dedicated website sportsdads.com.au which will include questions and answers from the players about their families, as well as comments from the athletes' partners and children as well as family photos.
All entrants have the opportunity to win special prizes for their own father this Father's Day and the winning Sports Dad of the Year will win $5000 to donate to their charity of choice.
Vote for Matt now at sportsdads.com.au.
This year's competition has again attracted some of the biggest names in Australian sport, all competing for the title of best Sports Dad in Australia. Leading the charge is Australian cricket star Shane Watson, fresh from an amazing 12 months in which he helped our Test team back to the top of the world rankings. Watson will face some stiff competition however, with the NRL well represented this year. Leading the NRL charge is the Minichiello brothers – Roosters popular captain Anthony, who has recently announced his retirement and his brother, Titans’ back-rower Mark. They are joined by Melbourne Storm and winning Blues State of Origin forward Ryan Hoffman and Sea Eagles warhorse hooker Matt Ballin. Five times world’s best hockey player, Jamie Dwyer, will try and score another honour to add to his incredible list of achievements, while ironman extraordinaire Shannon Eckstein isn’t used to losing too often. Flying the AFL flag is Hawthorn premiership winning captain Luke Hodge and Kangeroo's great Brent Harvey, while Alex Brosque – back with Sydney FC, will try and give the A-League its first ever sports dad winner.
Every person that enters and tells us in 25 words or less why their favourite Sports Dad should be crowned the Sports Dad of the Year has the opportunity to win a $5000 Ultimate Father's Day Grooming Pack, including the Styleshaver, Ultimate Bodygoom, Hair Clipper, Multigroom, and Shaver 9000 series shaver - the ultimate shaving experience.
Voting ends on Tuesday, September 2, and the Sports Dad of the Year winner will be announced on Father’s Day, Sunday, September 7. See full T&C's at sportsdads.com.au
