A YEAR after his identity as the first known Aboriginal man to play senior football in Australia was revealed, the legend of Jimmy Melbourne has gone unrecognised by the AFL.
But where the game's governing body overlooks an important historical figure in football, the West Australian football community will honour his legacy today for a second time.
South Fremantle and Claremont will play in the second Jimmy Melbourne Cup match at Fremantle Oval, the game kicking off NAIDOC Week celebrations (July 6-13) in the port city.
Steve Errington, of Curtin University, whose research uncovered Melbourne's all-to brief football career last year, said while his approaches to the AFL on Melbourne came to nought, he was nevertheless heartened at the WAFL's stance.
"It is wonderful that Jimmy Melbourne will receive recognition locally," Errington said.
Errington said he had contacted the AFL in regards to the 150th year anniversary book, the Australian Game of Football, and placed an invitation and email contact in last year's AFL Grand Final Record, but had received no response.
South Fremantle and Claremont will once again wear specially made Indigenous-themed guernseys for the commemorative match.
Melbourne's league career began with West Perth in 1900 and a year later played in their premiership side. He joined South Fremantle in 1902 and played out his career with Subiaco in 1903 and 1904.
South Fremantle CEO Brian Ciccotosto said today's game would also be used to pay tribute to the role Indigenous mums play in football.
"We want to acknowledge the role Indigenous mothers play in nurturing and fostering the development of their boys and the encouragement given to them to realise their full potential," Ciccotosto said.
In addition to celebrating Melbourne's role in football, match-day awards will honour champions from both clubs, they being: The Chris Lewis/Stephen Michael Award for best-on-ground; The Jim Krakouer/Brad Hardie Award for goal of the day; The Basil Campbell/Dale Kickett Award for tackle of the day; and The Jon Gerovich/Michael Mitchell Award for mark of the day.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Last Modified on 30/07/2008 22:36