We are delighted to announce that the beloved sporting personality and AFL legend Robert DiPierdomenico (aka: ‘Dipper’) has been appointed ambassador for Bocce Australia.
As the Bocce Australia ambassador, Dipper will support the Bocce One development program, which Bocce Australia and Sport Australia are delivering in partnership. He will also represent the Bocce Australia brand throughout the lead-up to the World Bocce Championships, starting with the Denis Ravera International Challenge in Monaco.
Dipper is a well-known and much-loved AFL player, having played 240 games during his football career. After an auspicious debut with the Hawks back in 1975, ‘The Big Dipper’, as he likes to be known, was best afield in the 1978 Grand Final against North Melbourne. The then 20-year-old from Kew had been kicking around the club since 1975, but on September 30, 1978, he hit the big time when he was named on the bench for the grand final. He gathered fifteen kicks, shot out six hand passes and took six marks, with a legend of the game being born.
In 2007, Dipper enjoyed one of his proudest moments when he was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame. Post AFL, Dipper developed into a national media personality via his work on Channel 7. He has also worked on Channel 9 and Fox Sports.
He is well known for his role as ‘Boundary Rider’ for the network and now continues his work with a number of speaking engagements, including as MC at special sporting and racing events all over Australia. More recently, Dipper was host to the best Australian BBQ show exclusive to 7mate, which featured the country’s hottest and most exciting BBQ enthusiasts.
Dipper was also heavily involved in the AFL as the ambassador for their junior development program, Auskick. Dipper’s role included educating Australia’s youth about Australian Rules Football – a role that took him to every corner of the nation.
Dipper’s energy and enthusiasm delights all audiences as he shares stories that inspire, motivate, and enlighten, which is why we are honoured to have him as our bocce sport ambassador.
Bocce Australia directors Frank Funari, Tony Biancacci, and Sonia Fava met with Dipper and Rebecca in South Yarra to discuss the ambassador engagement.
Being of Italian heritage, Dipper was familiar with bocce, having played it with his dad at an early age. After an entertaining conversation, the feeling was mutual and with a handshake, the deal was done.
“We are really proud to have Robert DiPierdomenico as as Bocce Australia ambassador. He is a great role model, having had great results with the Auskick program. We are looking forward to similar success with the Bocce One program,” Bocce Australia’s president and CEO Frank Funari said.
“I’m sure Dipper will inspire the next generation by sharing powerful stories of determination, personal growth and success through the sport and the Bocce One program,” said Mr Funari.