Nicholls led his people
AN increasing number of indigenous stars at the elite level of Australia’s homegrown football code will light up Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Named for the late Yorta Yorta man, who had a decorated career as a footballer, pastor, SA governor and as the first Aboriginal man to be knighted, the round is highlighted by tomorrow night’s Dreamtime at the ’G between Richmond and Essendon.
The indigenous round takes on special significance in 2017.
It marks the 50th anniversary of the referendum in which more than 90 per cent of Australians voted in favour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples being included in the census.
The referendum also opened the way for the Federal Government to make laws pertaining to indigenous people, an area that had previously been the responsibility of the states.
A number of high-profile indigenous players, including Sydney superstar Lance Franklin, Richmond’s Shane Edwards and Hawthorn’s Shaun Burgoyne, will change their jumper number to 67 this weekend to honour the landmark.
With 15 per cent of draftees last year being of indigenous heritage, the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players on AFL lists has increased to 81 in 2017.
For AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch, who last year became the first indigenous person appointed to the league’s executive, it is proof of the code’s commitment to change.
“What it tells me is that the AFL has built a really good pathway,” Hosch said.
“Clubs are much better now at not only finding indigenous talent but also at supporting them to reach their full potential in the game.”
But she says there is a power of work still to be done in other areas of the sport.
Fremantle’s Roger Hayden and Richmond’s Xavier Clarke are rare examples of indigenous men on AFL coaching panels.
Aborigines are mostly conspicuous by their absence in umpiring and media ranks and in executive positions — Hosch’s breakthrough appointment notwithstanding.
“We are very aware of the lack of indigenous people who stay in the industry, post their playing careers,” she said.
“There are different programs being explored on how to address that.
“Coaching isn’t for everyone, but we need to make sure there are no barriers to it.”