What a day. I'm sitting here at our camp in Umuwa trying to process everything we've experienced today and I'm honestly struggling to find the right words.

We left Uluru this morning after arriving yesterday, and the 2.5-hour drive to Amata was something else. The roads were pretty rough – all unsealed – but seeing Uluru up close as we drove past was incredible. I've seen it in photos heaps of times but nothing prepares you for how massive it actually is. You can just feel how special and important it is to the local people.

When we got to Amata Community School around 12:30pm, I was blown away by the welcome we received. The staff told us they had 71 students there today – a pretty good turn out by all reports! That made me feel pretty special, knowing our visit might have played a part in getting kids to school.

We had lunch with the students and then ran our workshop focusing on respectful relationships, resilience and healthy living – all key parts of our Santos Aboriginal Power Cup program. But honestly, I think I learned just as much from the kids as they did from us. Their energy was infectious and seeing their faces light up when we started kicking the footy around at lunchtime was the highlight of my day.

Being out here really puts things in perspective for me. These communities are so isolated and the kids don't get the same opportunities that I was lucky enough to have growing up. If our visit can inspire even one of them or just put a smile on their face, then it's all worth it. I know how important role models were for me when I was their age, and I don't take lightly the responsibility that comes with being an AFL player.

The afternoon was equally amazing. We did a cultural ceremony in the sand dunes at Wami Kata, which was a really special experience. I can't even begin to describe how it felt – there's something so powerful about connecting with country like that.

At night we sat around the campfire sharing stories over baked potatoes and Malu Wipu (kangaroo). Listening to the stories from the community members and reflecting on today with Josh Carr, Jase Burgoyne and the rest of the travelling party has been really special.

I'm already excited about tomorrow when we head to Mimili. This trip is reminding me why I'm so grateful to play for Port Adelaide and be part of something bigger than just football.

Can't wait to share more tomorrow.

JHF