Hot Wheels have been officially announced the ‘Favourite Wheels of AFL Players’, thanks to the AFL Players’ Association’s newly-formed partnership with Mattel.

Mattel has also launched a national ‘Favourite Wheels of AFL Players’ campaign, with Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge the key ambassador for the partnership. Hodge says it’s exciting to be involved with a brand he’s loved since he was a child.

“I think every kid at some stage grew up playing with Hot Wheels cars, trucks or motorbikes,” he said.

Now a father of two, Hodge plays with Hot Wheels cars with his two sons.

“Being a footballer, it’s obviously very busy, so when you actually get a bit of time to sit down and spend an hour or two playing with them, it’s great,” Hodge said.

“It’s really enjoyable and a good way to spend some quality time with the kids.”

Hodge has recently appeared in a television commercial with his son Cooper, promoting the Hot Wheels range. Hot Wheels Brand Manager Kate Kezilas says it’s great to have Hodge and other AFL players supporting Hot Wheels.

“As the number 1 toy vehicle brand in Australia, we are thrilled to be launching a partnership between Hot Wheels & AFL Players Association.”

The ‘Favourite Wheels of AFL Players’ launch has coincided with the mid-year school holidays; Hodge will be supported by other AFL players such as Nathan Jones and Dyson Heppell, who will appear in Target stores in coming weeks. Hodge says Hot Wheels have long been a staple of his school-holidays.

“As soon as the kids come around, you put the set of Hot Wheels cars in front of them and they play for hours together.”

Mattel has also released a poster featuring players from all 18 AFL clubs, in which they list their five favourite Hot Wheels vehicles.

As part of the launch of the AFL Players’/Hot Wheels partnership, anyone who buys a Hot Wheels Diecast vehicle between June 13 and August 8 will have the chance to win a Hot Wheels prize pack worth more than $2,000.

“We are excited to kick off the partnership with a National Hot Wheels Collector Promotion where fans will be rewarded for expanding their Hot Wheels collection with instant prizes and the chance to win a Hot Wheels footy prize pack,” Kezilas said.

More details can be found at www.hotwheelspromo.com.au, where plenty of other instant Hot Wheels and footy-themed prize packs can be won instantly.