Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh, Manly fullback Brett Stewart, Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, former Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson and leading Sydney jockey Tommy Berry have one thing in common. They all have been, or are currently, owners in the sport of harness racing.
Another group of talented footballers has joined the list of sporting identities that are enjoying harness racing with five members of the GWS Giants buying a share in former kiwi pacer Comekissmequick.
Rhys Palmer, Heath Shaw, Nathan Wilson, Aidan Corr and Jacob Townsend teamed up to buy 50% of the filly and she is set to make her debut on Friday afternoon at Wagga.
Palmer won the AFL's Rising Star award in 2008 while playing for the Fremantle Dockers and joined the Giants for the 2012 season and has played more than 100 AFL games.
Originally from Perth, Palmer has raced gallopers previously but is looking forward to watching his first pacer compete.
"My father has had a few horses over the years, we've had a couple of winners but we've had a few slow ones as well," Palmer said.
"A few of the boys were talking about getting a pacer and Reece Maguire said that he had found a suitable one from New Zealand so we decided to take a share in Comekissmequick and hopefully she does a good job for us."
Palmer's interest in harness racing grew after he and his girlfriend spent some time in Europe after the 2014 AFL season.
"Tina's father is Camel Benkheira, he owns a few trotters, he treats them like they are his children and they race in Sweden, France and Norway.
"He has a very successful trotter called Goods Of Norway and while we were over there I got the chance to spend time in the stable, it was very impressive and I really enjoyed it."
As a professional athlete Palmer spends a lot of time training but also finds time to study for a career after football.
"My week is structured and I'm kept pretty busy so following the horse will be a bit of fun.
"We stay in contact with Reece (Maguire) and he tells us that the horse goes ok, she is well bred, has trialled well so hopefully she does a good job for all of us."
Palmer has had an interrupted 2015 season after breaking his collarbone in round four against the Gold Coast Suns but returned to play against the Kangaroos on June 20.
"The team has been playing well, I copped a knock to my hamstring last week but overall it has been a good season so far."
With the Giants enjoying their best season to date, here's hoping some of that form can rub off onto Comekissmequick.
Greg Hayes