Goodes, Long in mix for new job

THE AFL has extended its Indigenous Round until 2020 as it closes in on honouring its pledge to create an indigenous commissioner.

The league used the 112th birthday of Sir Doug Nicholls to announce it had signed an agreement to extend its commitment to a round named in his honour.

Nicholls (pictured right) was the first Aboriginal player to represent Victoria at state level, playing 54 games for Fitzroy before becoming a pioneer for reconciliation in Australia.

The league two years ago committed to adding an indigenous commissioner to its board, with new commission boss Richard Goyder intent upon honouring that commitment.

The league has until the end of the year to announce that person, with the AFL Commission meeting today. Sydney champion Adam Goodes has long made it clear he would not yet be interested in the position, with Essendon trailblazer Michael Long keen but having battled ill health in the past year. Long, named the Northern Territorian of the Year last week, said in 2015 he would put his hand up to be an AFL commissioner. “I’ve got a passion for football, and I’ve had a plan for 10 years,’’ he said. The league has used a sub-committee that includes club presidents Glenn Bartlett and Tony Shepherd to complete a search for an indigenous commissioner. Names considered included Michael O’Loughlin and AFL indigenous advisory council chairman Paul Briggs.