Aboriginal Footballers and the AFL

[just_hurting]

Was looking to gain some poster's opinions on the role that football has played in general indigenous issues since they began actively following the game. With the announcement of the new Indigenous Centre at Punt Road, Richmond are actively taking on a leadership role in attempting to use football to provide social and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth. With this in mind I would be interested to hear some poster's opinions on the following:

1. Do you believe the AFL has implemented enough programs to ensure indigenous players are welcomed and assimilated into the league?
2. Can football play a role in moving beyong simply a sport into a more communal welfare role?

And finally on a lighter side, who are your favourite indigneous players to have seen play for Richmond or any other club you like? Are there any special moments in particular you remember involving indigenous players? I would be really interested to hear any responses you might have.

 

[Tigermad2005]

Sorry but who cares

 

[premiers2011]

Sorry but who cares

Tigermad2005= The Monkhurst, Everitt of PRE.
Obviously not gonna see you at the new centre when it's built!!

 

[Tigerbob]

Was looking to gain some poster's opinions on the role that football has played in general indigenous issues since they began actively following the game. With the announcement of the new Indigenous Centre at Punt Road, Richmond are actively taking on a leadership role in attempting to use football to provide social and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth. With this in mind I would be interested to hear some poster's opinions on the following:

1. Do you believe the AFL has implemented enough programs to ensure indigenous players are welcomed and assimilated into the league?
2. Can football play a role in moving beyong simply a sport into a more communal welfare role?

And finally on a lighter side, who are your favourite indigneous players to have seen play for Richmond or any other club you like? Are there any special moments in particular you remember involving indigenous players? I would be really interested to hear any responses you might have.

I personally think the AFL have to be congratulated for the way they have treated the aboriginal people and payed tribute to the works they have contributed. The AFL in my opinion is the number one sport in regards to spreading the awareness and history of the aboriginal people. We have our Dreamtime at the G game which from my recollection is the only yearly sporting tribute match for the aboriginal people.

I know I have certainly been made more aware of the history of their past through the works of Aussie Rules.

On the welfare issue I am confident that the AFL Players Association have processes put in place for the young aboriginal players as well as retiring players and I know the AFL have set up programs for Aboriginal Players currently in the system.

I am too young to remember Maurice Rioli but my dad told me all I needed to know, my favorite aboriginal player was probably Gavin Wanganeen, was magical and truly a great player. Right now I love the way Cyril Rioli plays aswell as Alwyn Davey. Most memorable moment was when Nicky Winmar pulled his shirt up at the Collingwood Ferals after the racial abuse he copped. First time I ever thought about Racial Vilification in any way. As for skill, nothing is more breathtaking than watching the flair and magic of these blokes in full flight. Pure genius.

 

[jb03]

Was looking to gain some poster's opinions on the role that football has played in general indigenous issues since they began actively following the game. With the announcement of the new Indigenous Centre at Punt Road, Richmond are actively taking on a leadership role in attempting to use football to provide social and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth. With this in mind I would be interested to hear some poster's opinions on the following:

1. Do you believe the AFL has implemented enough programs to ensure indigenous players are welcomed and assimilated into the league?
2. Can football play a role in moving beyong simply a sport into a more communal welfare role?

And finally on a lighter side, who are your favourite indigneous players to have seen play for Richmond or any other club you like? Are there any special moments in particular you remember involving indigenous players? I would be really interested to hear any responses you might have.

The answer to both questions is yes.

Ashley Blurton was my favourite Richmond aboriginal player for being the only aboriginal player devoid of both flair and skill.

A full list can be found here (up to the end of 2007). http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-5545-0-0-0&sID=75915&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=6595458&sectionID=75915

 

[wammo]

Ashley Blurton was my favourite Richmond aboriginal player for being the only aboriginal player devoid of both flair and skill.

JON?

 

[Djevv]

Was looking to gain some poster's opinions on the role that football has played in general indigenous issues since they began actively following the game. With the announcement of the new Indigenous Centre at Punt Road, Richmond are actively taking on a leadership role in attempting to use football to provide social and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth. With this in mind I would be interested to hear some poster's opinions on the following:

1. Do you believe the AFL has implemented enough programs to ensure indigenous players are welcomed and assimilated into the league?

Few southerners have any clue as to exactly how hard this is. Aboriginal kids, especially community kids come from a different world from your average aussie kid. It's a bit easier for urban kids. I'd like to see more. The best program for these guys is the footy scholarship to a Vic/SA or WA private school - it has worked brilliantly for Rioli, but also Djerrkurra and probably a few others as well.

2. Can football play a role in moving beyong simply a sport into a more communal welfare role?

Football academies are a great idea to promote healthy living, education and of course encourage footy excellence. They are in their infancy at the moment.

And finally on a lighter side, who are your favourite indigneous players to have seen play for Richmond or any other club you like? Are there any special moments in particular you remember involving indigenous players? I would be really interested to hear any responses you might have.

Dean Rioli in his prime was a favorite. For such a solid bloke, he was a beautiful mover, and no-one could ever lay a finger on him when he had the ball. I'm also an Aaron Davey fan.

 

[jb03]

JON?

Check mate.

 

[tigersnake]

To put this into context, generally black footy players have to battle much harder to get to the big time. The fact they are over represented says a lot about indigenous ability and work ethic.

To answer q 1, have to say yes. Different world now. It makes me shudder when I remember the sh!t Maurice and Mitch used to cop. Back then black players were rare and Alan McAlister said he'd recruit aboriginal players 'if they acted like white people'.

Question 2, tough and complex question, but what you can say is that the AFL and clubs put time and resources into getting to indigenous communities and supporting indigenous leadership programs. Thats positive.

As for favourites, Maurice. A childhood hero. The most evasive player I've ever seen. Also McLeod, amazing explosive player in his prime. As bob said, Nicky Winmar winning the game off his own boot in the last Q at Victoria Park while copping horrible racial abuse all game, then hoisting his jumper, one of the best moments in Aussie sport history full stop. Also, Cyril Rioli, geez I wish he played for us.

 

[tigerjoe12]

"Aussie Rules" is playing a continually growing role in developing rural parts of australia. the game does goes well beyond just being a sport in this view.

i'm heading up to NT in a couple of weeks to spend a week with the kids in western NT. some of the people i will be going with include port adelaide footballers. it's just one week but should have a lasting impact on the kids lives hopefully

 

[TygerTyger]

I grew up in the Territory and remember vividly some amazing games out in places like Yeundemu (though as a kid, I was more impressed by the fact that a lot of guys played in jeans - even when it was 40 degrees in the shade). In the big smoke up the top (Darwin) - footy is big, and seemed to be a relatively colour-blind playing field and I'd say yes, football can play a role in moving beyond 'simply' a sport into a more communal welfare role.

In terms of fave players, Rioli was a childhood favourite - along with Michael Mitchell a few years later. Winmar is probably my fave non-tiger - and the image of him lifting his jumper and pointing to his naked chest in front of a frothing crowd of moronic Collingwood supporters will probably outlive all of us.

 

[Brodders17]

"Aussie Rules" is playing a continually growing role in developing rural parts of australia. the game does goes well beyond just being a sport in this view.

i'm heading up to NT in a couple of weeks to spend a week with the kids in western NT. some of the people i will be going with include port adelaide footballers. it's just one week but should have a lasting impact on the kids lives hopefully

whereabouts u headed in the NT??

 

[Jason King]

The problem aboriginal players face most is their family bringing them down. The AFL system as a whole is great and does just about all it can to make these guys lives as normal as possible whilst providing a framework whereby the blokes cant fall off the rails as easily. The development in the rurual and remote communities is really just in its infancy. Top stuff all around as far as i am concerned.

Before anyone jumps down my throat i speak from experience.

 

[tigerjoe12]

whereabouts u headed in the NT??

a couple of places, will be spending most time in Kintore. should be good