As I am front the NT, nad have lived here for 38 years, I know a bit about the feelings of indigenous footballers, having played the game here and been friends of many as well.
We have had many WA indigenous footballers here as well, and they are a bit different.
With all indigenous people, family ties are very important. For instance Eddie saying he is cousins of etc, etc. Many times they are not cousins as white people think of it, but cousins in a broader sense enveloping clans, just like white people say someone close to them is "like a brother".
What is important is not to let Eddie feel he is isolated, utilising Corey McGrath as a mentor instead of T.Libatore would be a better solution in my eyes.
Eddie needs to realise he needs to step up his work rate, and to train harder than ever before. If given all the above he will do well, but if he feels isolated and not part of the team he will drift away rapidly, which makes 2006 a very big year for him.
I know it may sound like generalistaion in what I wrote, and it may be. But it is based on observing indigenous footballers ata ll levels over the years.
If Eddie turns out like Sid Jackson, or Maurice Rioli, players who did survive on their own and came to grips with the different lifestyle, we will all be very happy.