NAIAFA team to showcase state’s best

The state’s best Indigenous players will be out to show there’s no shortage of talent from the NAIAFA (NSW/ACT Indigenous Australian Rules Football Association) when they take on ACT in a representative match at Blacktown on Saturday.

NAIAFA have selected their final 24 player squad ahead of the clash, after an initial 30 players were selected at the Annual Jack Atkinson Carnival held in Wagga in February.

While the February event has traditionally been held for the Indigenous community to promote the game of AFL throughout NSW/ACT, showcase their talent and promote healthy lifestyle through sport; this years eight participating teams were also vying for spots in the representative squad to play in the State Representative Carnival.

And a strong squad they will have. NAIFA last participated in the State Regional Championships in 2010 going through undefeated and winning Division 2 of the Round Robin competition. 

Southern Power player and key member of the side Andrew Craig thinks his team has what it takes to be successful against ACT.

“We’re all looking forward to the game this weekend, it’s a chance to catch up with some great mates and play some good footy,” he said.

“We have a strong team picked as a result of the [Jack Atkinson] carnival and I’m confident we will be very competitive. We have a few star players in Adam Jennings and Reece Walsh, and the AFL Indigenous Academies young lad Dean Wright to watch out for as well”. 

AFL continues to grow steadily in Indigenous communities within NSW/ACT, and Andrew Craig says it is pleasing to see the number of young players coming through the ranks who are now part of the Giants and Swans Academies.

“Indigenous people are gifted sports people. The AFL has done a great job by identifying that it all starts at community” says Craig. 

“The way that pathway programs have been developed gives all Indigenous people a chance to experience life outside community and share their culture with everyday Australia.”

With the likes of Sydney Swans legends Adam Goodes and Mick O’Loughlin paving the way for these young skilled indigenous players, the future looks bright for football in NSW/ACT. 

NAIAFA will play AFL Canberra at 11am, Oval 2 at Blacktown International Sports Park this Saturday the 9th of June. 
 
Photo: Andrew Craig with the Team Jack Atkinson guernsey, sponsored by the GO Foundation.