This weekend the annual Indigenous Round will be played across all levels of football.
The round’s theme, ‘Everything’s Possible’ will highlight the contribution of Indigenous footballers, past and present, and will celebrate the diversity that exists within Australian Rules Football.
The celebration of sport, culture and community are at the heart of the event and the week-long celebration aims to create awareness within the broader community of the success of Indigenous footballers as well as raise awareness of some of the issues facing Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous Round offers exciting opportunities for footballers and fans to make connections to Indigenous communities. The round highlights achievement as well as inspires the next generation of Indigenous players. Football provides the vehicle for dreams and aspirations, as well as encouraging understanding and acceptance between diverse groups.
There will be plenty of football action at all levels across the weekend, showcasing the input of Indigenous players through a number of games held over the weekend.
The round aims to celebrate and promote the inclusion of Indigenous cultures and offers fans as well as players a vehicle for building stronger ties with Indigenous communities.
Central to the round is the contribution from the players themselves and the recognition of the hard work they have put in to achieve their football success.
This weekend we will be witness to a special VFL event with Richmond taking on Essendon at Punt Road Oval (ME Bank Centre). The fiercely contested match will be an exciting exhibition of the game’s rising talent. The best on ground will be presented with the Sir Doug Nicholls Award. Nicholls was a pioneer in the campaign for equality and recognition of Indigenous Australians.
In another match Saturday, the Peter Jackson VFL State squad will be battling against an old foe, the SANFL State squad at Port Melbourne.
The Victorians will be bolstered by the talents of Sandringham captain, Adam Cockie, with the former West Coast Eagle relishing the opportunity to display his skills during Indigenous Round. Cockie’s wealth of experience and proven leadership skills will be an asset to the VFL as they try to erase the memories of a last quarter defeat to the WAFL in 2013.
Up and coming Indigenous footballer, Clayton McCartney demonstrates the future of Indigenous football. With determination and drive, the Richmond youngster is hoping to make his mark in the VFL this year. A graduate of the Kickstart program and the TAC Cup, his future looks bright.
Saturday’s Dreamtime fixture will culminate in the Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Richmond and Essendon. Now in its tenth year, the match will once again be preceded by The Long Walk. The Dreamtime round aims to highlight the contribution of Indigenous footballers and seeks to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion. In a curtain raiser match at 3pm at the MCG, a number of current and former TAC Cup and VFL players will be part of the Rio Tinto Footy Means Business game.
The week long activities run in conjunction with Reconciliation Week and in partnership with the Recognize campaign, to have the Indigenous peoples of Australia recognised in the constitution.
This weekend is a celebration of Australian Rules Football and of the invaluable contribution made by Indigenous players.
Last Modified on 29/05/2014 10:54