AFL pays tribute to Polly, a pioneer
THE family of AFL great Graham “Polly” Farmer have spoken of their pride as the Geelong champion was again honoured for his contribution to the game.
As the AFL celebrates Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round this weekend, Farmer and Nicholls were yesterday recognised with murals inside the Galleria in Melbourne’s CBD.
Kim Farmer, the daughter of Graham, said her family was proud to be included in this week’s celebrations, joining Cats star Nakia Cockatoo for the unveiling of Farmer’s mural.
“The long-term success of the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation is a source of great pride for our family and demonstrates the huge impact my father continues to have off the field,” Ms Farmer said.
“We can see first-hand how the foundation has helped and supported so many Aboriginal students and their families over the last twenty years.
“I have no doubt that the foundation’s incredible work will continue to carry out for many years my father’s vision of helping young Aboriginal people follow their dreams.”
AFL inclusion and social policy general manager Tanya Hosch revealed that this year’s round, while continuing to celebrate the contribution of Sir Nicholls, would also pay tribute to Farmer.
“Polly Farmer, a champion on the field, has made his greatest accomplishment off- field through the work of his foundation helping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples succeed through sport and education,” Hosch said.
“It’s because of that, it is the AFL’s great honour to highlight his overall contribution to the Australian community this week.
“Sir Doug and Polly are inspirational figures in Australian culture, and their legacy has the power to affect change by highlighting the pillars on which they stood.”
Sir Doug’s daughter, Aunty Pam Pedersen, said her family continued to be moved to see her family celebrated every year through a round dedicated in his honour.
“We’re so pleased that this round not only honours Dad, but this year will also honour Polly Farmer,” Pedersen said.
“Both Dad and Polly’s work helped to improve the lives of indigenous Australians and will continue to do so in the future as we celebrate their legacy.”
The Sir Doug Nicholls Round will continue to be celebrated through all matches of Round 11.
It all kicks off with the Marn Grook match at the SCG between Sydney and Carlton, and will be followed by Dreamtime at the ’G between Essendon and Richmond on Saturday night.