Ben Hudson from the Brisbane Lions, and his wife Rita, welcomed their son Stirling Frankie on July 24. Stirling Hudson joins big brother Ignatius, aged 2.

David Johnson, a former player for the Geelong Cats, and his wife Stacey, welcomed their son Reggie last week.

The Johnsons have had a tough time lately, as Stacey was diagnosed with a Sarcoma cancer during her pregnancy, and baby Reggie was born prematurely, at 29 weeks. In order to help out the popular couple, the Geelong Football Club organised a “backyard blitz“, where club members volunteered their time to help give the Johnsons’ backyard a makeover. Local businesses donated materials, and the whole project was completed on one weekend with the help of 90 volunteers.

(Photo shows the Geelong Football Club helping out the Johnsons; Dave is the one on the ground)

Federal MP Andrew Laming, and his wife Olesja, welcomed their daughter Isobel today, July 24. Isobel Laming was born at Mater Private Redlands at 8 am, and weighed 3.05 kg (just under 7 pounds). Isobel joins big sister Sophie-Claire, aged 3.

Andrew represents the seat of Bowman in Queensland for the Liberal National Party of Queensland, first winning the seat in 2004 for the Liberal Party of Australia. Before entering politics, he was a doctor specialising in ophthalmology, and also holds a diploma in gynaecology and obstetrics. He gained his Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, and holds post-graduate degrees in Public Policy and Public Health. He has cleared land mines in Afghanistan with Halo Trust while working as a war surgeon, done research in trachoma and other eye diseases, and established health databases and a volunteering service. He has been part of the World Bank Group’s Health, Nutrition and Population Section in Washington DC, and a Health Planning Specialist in East Timor. Andrew is the son of former Queensland state MP Bruce Laming.

Olesja (nee Baturevica) is from Latvia, and her background is in banking. Andrew met her in 2005, while on a study tour of Latvia. The couple has been married since 2007.

(Photo shows Andrew and Olesja after the birth of Sophie-Claire).

Harry Taylor from the Geelong Cats, and his wife Michelle, have welcomed a baby girl named Isabel Molly. Isabel was born at 5.50 pm on July 10 at St John of God Hospital in Geelong, weighing 3.8 kg (8 pounds 5 ounces). Isabel joins big brother James. Harry and Michelle (nee Giudice) were married last year.

Michael Doughty from the Adelaide Crows, and his wife Sara, welcomed a baby boy named Max Thomas recently. Michael and Sara (nee Vecchio) were married in 2008.

(Photo shows Harry and Michelle Taylor with baby Isabel)

AFL player Ash McGrath, and his partner Amanda, welcomed their son Chase Ashley on July 3. Chase McGrath was born at 1.45 pm, and weighed 3.4 kg (7 pounds 7 ounces). He joins big sister Mikayla, aged 2.

Ashley made his debut for the Brisbane Lions in 2001, and has played with the team all his career. In 2009 he was selected to play for the Indigenous All-Stars. His brothers Toby and Cory also play in the AFL, and he is a cousin of former AFL player Dion Woods.

NRL star Cameron Smith, and his wife Barb, welcomed their daughter Matilda six weeks ago. Matilda Smith joins siblings Jada, aged 4, and Jasper, aged 2 and a half.

Cameron has played for the Melbourne Storm since 2002, and the following year was named the team’s Rookie of the Year, as well as making his debut for Queensland in the State of Origin Series. In 2005 he was named Melbourne’s Player of the Year; in 2006 he won the Dally M Medal, was once again named Player of the Year, and made his debut for Australia in international rugby league. In 2007 he was named Club Player of the Year again, and in State of Origin, won the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series, and the Ron Mcauliffe Medal for Queensland player of the series. In 2008 he became captain of the Melbourne Storm, and also captained Queensland for the entire Origin series of that year. In 2009 he became the Melbourne Storm’s highest ever points-scorer, and in 2010 became the first player for the Melbourne Storm to reach 1000 points. Last year he won the Wally Lewis Medal again, and was also named the Dally M Captain of the Year, and Dally M Hooker of the Year. Cameron is currently preparing for the last match of the 2012 Origin series, which takes place on July 4.

Barbara (nee Johnson) and Cameron have been together since their high school days. They were married last year.

Former AFL footballer player, Tony Modra, and his wife Erica, welcomed their son Luke Anthony on January 12. Luke was born prematurely weighing just 1.29 kg (2 pounds 13 ounces), and spent some time in Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit, but he is now at home with his family. Luke Modra joins big sister Hayley, aged 4.

Tony began his career in the SANFL in 1991, playing for West Adelaide, before moving to Adelaide the following year. He retired in 2001 while playing for Fremantle. Since his retirement, Tony has worked as a cattle farmer near Victor Harbor, and plays local football and cricket.

Erica (nee Jacobs) is qualified in Occupational Therapy and Exercise Science, and works in the fitness industry. She and Tony were married in 2008, after fifteen years together. Their wedding took place on the couple’s farm.