31 Jul 2012

This week, the SANFL celebrates Indigenous Round, acknowledging the contribution made by indigenous people to South Australian football.

There are currently 40 indigenous footballers playing at League, Reserves or U18s level in the SANFL competition this season and another 15 awaiting debut selection.

The League believes these figures represent the highest ever level of indigenous participation across these grades in the competition’s history.

“Whereas in 2010, there were six or seven indigenous players gaining selection in these grades on a weekly basis, there is now closer to 30 being called up to play each week,” SANFL Aboriginal Employment & Participation Manager James Moore said.

“Part of this result is due the SANFL’s Indigenous Football Department work over the past two years to provide support for young players not only with their footy but in terms of their professional and personal lives.

“League stars like Eddie Sansbury, Kriston Thompson and Joe Anderson have been leading the way for younger players like Dwayne Wilson, Tim Sumner and Tyson Lindsay.

“Chad Wingard, who is of Kaurna heritage, has also been an inspiration for young talent, having captained the State U18s last year and now playing for Port Adelaide in the AFL.

“Ceduna product Terry Milera was also drafted last year to St Kilda and has played 13 of the 15 games to date. Terry originally played for Koonibba, which is one of the oldest footy clubs in Australia.”

Activities for SANFL Indigenous Round focus on Friday night’s Norwood v Sturt clash and include:

• A Kaurna Welcome To Country ceremony
• Pre-match performances by Tar Car Tina and the Cumo Caro Dancers
• Goal umpires will wave the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and the 50m arches will be painted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colours
• Sturt footballers will wear a commemorative guernsey inspired by Indigenous Round
• Past players Eddie Hocking, Troy Bond, Michael O’Brien and Jeremy Johncock will be in attendance as special guests
• Special edition SA Football Budget featuring a profile on SANFL great Sonny Morey

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