As the federal election campaign enters its second week, both major parties are committing hundreds of thousands of dollars to local sports clubs, hoping to capitalise on community goodwill. Across the country, clubs, teams, leagues and local councils are on the hustle for pledges of support from one party (if they win) or the highly sought-after “bipartisan” commitment, where both parties show them the money. Those in marginal seats are particularly hoping to wring out promises of election cash. To get that money, clubs will open their doors for awkward photo opps, where bemused kids run around in front of the cameras with local candidates. Sometimes those photo opps become iconic – such as when former prime minister Scott Morrison accidentally tackled a hapless junior soccer player in Tasmania during the 2022 election campaign. On Saturday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton left a cameraman bloodied when a footy kick went astray at a club in Darwin.