Is Peter Matera Aboriginal?

[stupido_cupido]

I recently read an article by Mike Sheehan in the Herald Sun listing Peter Matera is the all time third greatest ever aboriginal player in the AFL.

I thought Peter Matera was Italian. I look at his older brother Wally and younger brother Phil and they look Italian/Maltese too. They don't look Aboriginal.

I want to write to Mike Sheehan about this - but before I do I seek you expert comment on:

Is Peter Matera Aboriginal?

On another point ex-Richmond player Mark Merenda - Mike Sheehan called him Aboriginal - just because he's dark skinned - I know for a fact he's of Italian background - Calabrese in fact!

Thanks

 

[hawkeye23]

I saw the article you refer to, and the answer is yes. I believe the Matera boys may be half Aboriginal, half Italian, but someone please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

Did you notice that they listed Peter Matera as one of the best indigenous players ever to play the game? Then when they listed club by club how many indigenous players were at each, WCE only had 3 players listed.

Now, last I remember, these were our indigenous players:

David Wirrpunda
Ashley Sampi
Daniel Kerr
Phil Matera

When I went to school, that list added up to 4. Has something changed since then?

Made me wonder how they could list Peter as being indigenous, but not Phil.

 

[hoss]

Daniel Kerr is not Aboriginal.

 

[underthebridge]

I saw the article you refer to, and the answer is yes. I believe the Matera boys may be half Aboriginal, half Italian, but someone please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

Did you notice that they listed Peter Matera as one of the best indigenous players ever to play the game? Then when they listed club by club how many indigenous players were at each, WCE only had 3 players listed.

Now, last I remember, these were our indigenous players:

David Wirrpunda
Ashley Sampi
Daniel Kerr
Phil Matera

When I went to school, that list added up to 4. Has something changed since then?

Made me wonder how they could list Peter as being indigenous, but not Phil.

im pretty sure kerr isnt of aboriginal decent.

and yes, both matera's have got some aboriginal blood in them.

 

[hawkeye23]

Daniel Kerr is not Aboriginal.

Really? How embarassing on my part! Profuse apologies for my ignorance.

 

[hoss]

Really? How embarassing on my part! Profuse apologies for my ignorance.

That's Ok. I only know because I displayed the same ignorance a couple of years ago.

 

[masai]

Daniel Kerr is not Aboriginal.

Burmese crossed with Regan, what a mixed bloodline.

 

[hawkeye23]

That's Ok. I only know because I displayed the same ignorance a couple of years ago.

Glad I'm not the only one. Really quite embarassed to be so ignorant about something regarding my own club though!

 

[hoss]

Burmese crossed with Regan, what a mixed bloodline.

Pardon my ignorance again, but what's Regan? Of the East Fremantle Regan's?

 

[hawkeye23]

Pardon my ignorance again, but what's Regan? Of the East Fremantle Regan's?

Its turning out to be quite an educational afternoon today isn't it Hoss?

 

[hoss]

Its turning out to be quite an educational afternoon today isn't it Hoss?

Do you know what Regan is? From Riga?

 

[hawkeye23]

Do you know what Regan is? From Riga?

Sorry mate, have not got a clue with that one. Let's just sit back, relax, and let someone else do the work!

 

[YAKUZA]

Daniel Kerr is not Aboriginal.

Sheahan probably thinks he is!

Mike was once a respected journalist and in fact a team mate of mine a long time ago, sadly now he is past it and really should give it away.

 

[janiek]

for Hoss Regans are a famous one of the original early freo families
but didn;t know his mum was a regan

 

[YAKUZA]

Pardon my ignorance again, but what's Regan? Of the East Fremantle Regan's?

It's Reagan actually, his mother is a Reagan which therefore makes him a relative of McManus, Neesham, JJ Miller and lots more!

 

[YAKUZA]

Is Peter Matera an aboriginal?

It begs the question, 'What is an Aboriginal'?

 

[Mead]

I think Matera considers himself aboriginal, genetically he's 50/50 italian/aboriginal.

I'm astonished how many people think Kerr is aboriginal, a few years ago Sheedy named him in his All Aboriginal best 22, and then apologised profusely.

 

[sinepari]

Sheahan probably thinks he is!

Mike was once a respected journalist and in fact a team mate of mine a long time ago, sadly now he is past it and really should give it away.

kinda like you huh?

 

[Ljp86]

I'm pretty sure he is half Italian and half Aboriginal.

 

[error404]

Mrs Matera, the mother of Wally, Peter and Phil was a Collard and at most 50% Aboriginal, before marry Mr Matera who is Italian.
So I guess the brake down is:
Italian 50%
Aboriginal 25%
Irish 25%

None of the Matera boys have ever represented the Aboriginal all stars, although they have been asked to many times, they have refused the offer.

 

[Frodo]

Mrs Matera, the mother of Wally, Peter and Phil was a Collard and at most 50% Aboriginal, before marry Mr Matera who is Italian.
So I guess the brake down is:
Italian 50%
Aboriginal 25%
Irish 25%

None of the Matera boys have ever represented the Aboriginal all stars, although they have been asked to many times, they have refused the offer.

I believe you are correct. 25% at most and quite probably less.

 

[F/D]

Peter Matera considers himself Aboriginal....if he does, then you all can.

 

[Mr Crow!]

Haha!

I always thought that the Matera's were of Caucasian / Italian descent, they don't look Aboriginal too me... but that is just my opinion.

 

[Streaker]

Peter Matera considers himself Aboriginal....if he does, then you all can.

Then that shows your ignorance of the definition of Aboriginality doesn't it.

 

[Mr Crow!]

So, a Chinese person can now be an Australian Aborigine? What about someone from Sweden?