DARREN MONCRIEFF
Saturday 19 May 2012
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou wants to see 100 Aboriginal footballers in the league within the next five years.
Speaking on ABC2's The Marngrook Footy Show on Thursday, Demetriou was confident that that goal was attainable.
The huge increase in Aboriginal footballers joining AFL clubs has largely come during the past decade.
With numerous Indigenous programs around the country on the go throughout the year, and new academies in NSW and Queensland, plus well-trodden pathways in the established 'football States', the AFL's ambitious goal could become reality.
"We're at about 80 (players) at the moment," Demetriou said.
Demetriou also hosed down talk that the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match be shared with other clubs.
"I haven't had any clubs come to us and put their (case forward)," he said.
"It got talked about on radio because we've got a lot of people talking about footy. What we try to do is we try to find a game or an event for every club throughout the year.
"I hope the Dreamtime game stays with Richmond and Essendon (because) they really were the originators of the concept.
"It's an amazing game, the Dreamtime game. Every time it has been played the crowd has been extraordinary. The pre-match (entertainment) has been incredible.
"There's a real anticipation around the game. It's another great concept by the great Kevin Sheedy who was involved in it.
"It's a real celebration. I'm glad it's going to be nearly a sell-out."
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 19/05/2012 10:22