AFL launches 2012 Indigenous Round

Indigenous Round celebrates the contribution players, participants, fans and Indigenous communities bring to the game. The theme this year is “Land and Country”. Country is an important aspect of Indigenous culture and resonates strongly with Indigenous players.

As part of Indigenous Round we want fans to achieve a deeper understanding of the importance of “Country” to Indigenous players and to appreciate Indigenous Round as an important national event that acknowledges and appreciates Indigenous culture

The concept of “Country” plays an important role in understanding Indigenous culture. Indigenous people define themselves by their place of origin, and it is an important part of their identity. 

Despite coming from various origins, they are brought together by Australia’s game. Fans and players from all backgrounds should work together to make AFL an inclusive and tolerant environment for everyone.

Sydney Swans player Lewis Jetta says he was inspired by players from his Country, and is proud to walk in their footsteps.

“Growing up in Wheatbelt in Western Australia, from the Binjarap and Ballardong tribes, I watched a lot of Nicky Winmar and Dale Kickett, who were also from my Country, playing in the AFL and realised this is the game I want to play,” he said.

“I was really proud to see two people from my Country in the AFL and now I’m so proud to represent my people just like them.

“Indigenous Round is important to me because it’s an opportunity to recognise the amazing Indigenous players to have played in the AFL and the many more who will join the AFL in the coming years.”

GWS GIANTS player Curtly Hampton says this round gives Indigenous players an opportunity to recognise their heritage and be proud of their achievements

“To be able to represent our Country and our people is special to us and our families,” he said.

“We can celebrate what Indigenous players have done for the AFL and the hard work it’s taken for us to get here.”

In Australia there are more than 300 different nations (individual Indigenous groups) who speak over 500 languages. In 2012, there are 79 Indigenous players – which represents 11% of all AFL players.

The AFLPA has compiled the players’ countries in an interactive map: http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/19215/Default.aspx

To celebrate the diversity and reach of the game, matches will be played in every state in Round 8, giving Australians all over the Country the opportunity to participate in the celebrations.

Highlights of the Round include:

All nine Indigenous Round matches will feature a Welcome to Country ceremony; a symbolic ceremony where the traditional custodians of the land welcome members of the wider community.

The AFL and Rio Tinto will conduct the Footy Means Business camp in Melbourne this week, culminating on Saturday May 19 with participants playing in the curtain raiser at the AFL Dreamtime at the ‘G match.  Now in its third year, the Footy Means Business program provides 18 to 24-year-old Indigenous men with exposure to elite AFL programs and training, along with networking opportunities in corporate environments to strengthen employment and leadership skills.

Curtain-raisers: Rio Tinto Cup played between Footy Means Business participants will play prior to the Dreamtime at the G match. The match commences at 4.12pm Saturday May 19. The match will be broadcast to the following locations on television: Southern Cross – Darwin & Central markets and GWN7 – Regional WA. Radio coverage will be provided by NIRS into Sydney/Brisbane/Darwin/Perth and various regional centres around Australia.  

The Aboriginal Power Cup Boys and Girls final prior to Port Adelaide v North Melbourne match at AAMI Stadium at 11.35am Saturday May 19.

The eighth annual Dreamtime at the G match on Saturday night between Richmond and Essendon. Pre-match entertainment features a performance from Shane Howard and his band along with Dan Sultan, Amy Saunders, Emma Donovan, William Barton, Bart Willoughby and Tjimba Possum Burns.

The Long Walk will depart Birrarung Marr at 6.30pm Saturday May 19 and continue through, over the William Barrack Bridge to the MCG.

There will also be a Long Walk into TIO Stadium prior to the Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns match in Darwin, on Saturday May 19.