New generation of on- and off-field leaders: coach Chris Johnson
THE Qantas Indigenous All-Stars squad of 33 players has been named today ahead of the match against the Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday, February 7.
The biennial match showcases the growing Indigenous talent in the AFL. In 2009 there are 82 Indigenous players listed with AFL clubs, which represents 11 per cent of the playing group and a new VFL/AFL record.
The All-Stars will be coached by Brisbane Lions development coach Chris Johnson. Johnson commenced his coaching career with the Lions in 2008 after retiring with 264 games and three premiership medals. He is currently the only Indigenous AFL coach.
The All-Stars' assistant coaches will be Sydney Swans veterans Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin.
Johnson said the team will feature a new generation of on-field and off-field leaders.
"To have Goodes and O'Loughlin involved is fantastic as coaching is another important area of Indigenous football development. With over 500 games experience between them their input will be invaluable," he said. "I'm delighted to have the chance to coach such an impressive group of players.
"The young Indigenous players’ opportunity to train with some of the game's best such as McLeod, Burgoyne and Wirrpanda is outstanding. I look forward to our training sessions in Darwin next week."
2009 Qantas Indigenous All-Stars squad:
Adelaide: Jonathon Griffin, Graham Johncock, Andrew McLeod, Jarrhan Jacky, Jared Petrenko;
Brisbane: Ashley McGrath, Albert Proud;
Carlton: Chris Yarran;
Essendon: Andrew Lovett, Nathan Lovett-Murray;
Geelong: Nathan Djerrkura, Mathew Stokes, Travis Varcoe;
Hawthorn: Cyril Rioli, Cameron Stokes;
Melbourne: Aaron Davey, Liam Jurrah;
North Melbourne: Matt Campbell, Lindsay Thomas, Cruzie Garlett;
Port Adelaide: Shaun Burgoyne, Daniel Motlop, Marlon Motlop, Danyle Pearce;
St Kilda: Raphael Clarke;
West Coast: David Wirrpanda, Liam Bedford, Adam Cockie;
Western Bulldogs: Jarrod Harbrow, Joshua Hill, Malcolm Lynch, Brennan Stack.
The squad has been selected by three-time premiership player Darryl White, AFL Players' Association Indigenous programs manager Cory McGrath, AFL Indigenous programs manager Jason Mifsud and Johnson.
The final team of 30 players will be selected on Wednesday, February 4, following training.
The annual AFL Players’ Association Indigenous Player Camp will precede the match. Conducted in Darwin from Monday, February 2 to Wednesday, February 4, the three-day camp will bring together 63 Indigenous players and will include an Indigenous leadership program, guest speakers and a map presentation by the players.
The match will be on air on ABC1 at 11.20pm local time in each State on Saturday, February 7.
AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
AFL.com.au
Friday, January 30, 2009
Last Modified on 02/02/2009 00:05