NMFC statement re Australia Day

[gokangas]

STATEMENT

Club leaders and First Nations players share their position on January 26​

North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders have reiterated their position regarding January 26 following extensive consultation with First Nations players and club staff
By NMFC Media
Jan 26, 2026, 7:30 am

North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders have reiterated their position regarding January 26 following extensive consultation with First Nations players and club staff.

This statement, along with player perspectives and links to educational resources, reflects our commitment to listening, learning, and working together with our First Nations Community.

"We acknowledge that this date, January 26, represents for many, the arrival of the First Fleet on the lands of the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora Nation and the resilience of Australia’s First Peoples since.

"We recognise the pain and sadness many First Nations Peoples and the broader community may be experiencing at this time.

"The club has developed a First Nations Strategy, which will now guide the implementation of First Nations-related activities and initiatives within the club, ensuring that First Nations voices and perspectives are embedded in our decision-making.

"We continue to reiterate our message and encourage listening, understanding and reflection of our nation's shared past.

"We will be stronger together when we can celebrate all that is great about the country we call home, on a date that unites us." - North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders

First Nations voices are crucial to this conversation. To amplify these perspectives, former club captain and AFL player Jy Simpkin

12

Jy Simpkin

Age

27

Ht

183cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.0

4star

K

7.9

3star

HB

8.1

5star

M

2.4

3star

T

3.3

5star

CL

2.9

4star

D

20.6

5star

K

11.0

4star

HB

9.6

5star

M

2.0

2star

T

3.5

4star

CL

5.5

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

5.6

3star

HB

4.4

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.4

4star

CL

0.2

2star

(a proud Yorta Yorta man), AFL player Robbie Hansen jnr (a proud Wongi and Noongar man), and AFLW player Mia King (a proud Jawoyn woman) have shared their personal reflections on what January 26 represents to them.

"January 26 isn’t a day for celebration, but an opportunity for everyone to continue to ask questions and learn about Australia’s shared history, the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island People and our culture." - Jy Simpkin

12

Jy Simpkin

Age

27

Ht

183cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.0

4star

K

7.9

3star

HB

8.1

5star

M

2.4

3star

T

3.3

5star

CL

2.9

4star

D

20.6

5star

K

11.0

4star

HB

9.6

5star

M

2.0

2star

T

3.5

4star

CL

5.5

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

5.6

3star

HB

4.4

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.4

4star

CL

0.2

2star

"It’s difficult for me to celebrate on January 26, knowing our nation’s history and its impact on mob. I’d love for people to reflect on the experiences of First Nations people and our ancestors, so we can move forward together." - Robbie Hansen jnr

"Now more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with the original custodians of this land. This begins with recognition and truth-telling, and today is an opportunity to do that. We will have something to celebrate, but only when we can do it in harmony." - Mia King

Educational resources:

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article...ctually-commemorating-on-january-26/nrid9kpf4

https://antar.org.au/issues/survival-day/

 

[kool kangas]

STATEMENT

Club leaders and First Nations players share their position on January 26​

North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders have reiterated their position regarding January 26 following extensive consultation with First Nations players and club staff
By NMFC Media
Jan 26, 2026, 7:30 am

North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders have reiterated their position regarding January 26 following extensive consultation with First Nations players and club staff.

This statement, along with player perspectives and links to educational resources, reflects our commitment to listening, learning, and working together with our First Nations Community.

"We acknowledge that this date, January 26, represents for many, the arrival of the First Fleet on the lands of the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora Nation and the resilience of Australia’s First Peoples since.

"We recognise the pain and sadness many First Nations Peoples and the broader community may be experiencing at this time.

"The club has developed a First Nations Strategy, which will now guide the implementation of First Nations-related activities and initiatives within the club, ensuring that First Nations voices and perspectives are embedded in our decision-making.

"We continue to reiterate our message and encourage listening, understanding and reflection of our nation's shared past.

"We will be stronger together when we can celebrate all that is great about the country we call home, on a date that unites us." - North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders

First Nations voices are crucial to this conversation. To amplify these perspectives, former club captain and AFL player Jy Simpkin (a proud Yorta Yorta man), AFL player Robbie Hansen jnr (a proud Wongi and Noongar man), and AFLW player Mia King (a proud Jawoyn woman) have shared their personal reflections on what January 26 represents to them.

"January 26 isn’t a day for celebration, but an opportunity for everyone to continue to ask questions and learn about Australia’s shared history, the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island People and our culture." - Jy Simpkin

"It’s difficult for me to celebrate on January 26, knowing our nation’s history and its impact on mob. I’d love for people to reflect on the experiences of First Nations people and our ancestors, so we can move forward together." - Robbie Hansen jnr

"Now more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with the original custodians of this land. This begins with recognition and truth-telling, and today is an opportunity to do that. We will have something to celebrate, but only when we can do it in harmony." - Mia King

Educational resources:

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article...ctually-commemorating-on-january-26/nrid9kpf4

https://antar.org.au/issues/survival-day/

RHJ view says it the best . Keep Australia day on the 26th Jan and view it as a day of reflect and respect and celebrate it that way.
For me its also the day my mother was born and the day she passed away. So for me its special another way as well.

If it has to end up being shifted then make it the May 8th = MATE.

 

[DuckYeah]

STATEMENT

Club leaders and First Nations players share their position on January 26​

North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders have reiterated their position regarding January 26 following extensive consultation with First Nations players and club staff
By NMFC Media
Jan 26, 2026, 7:30 am

North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders have reiterated their position regarding January 26 following extensive consultation with First Nations players and club staff.

This statement, along with player perspectives and links to educational resources, reflects our commitment to listening, learning, and working together with our First Nations Community.

"We acknowledge that this date, January 26, represents for many, the arrival of the First Fleet on the lands of the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora Nation and the resilience of Australia’s First Peoples since.

"We recognise the pain and sadness many First Nations Peoples and the broader community may be experiencing at this time.

"The club has developed a First Nations Strategy, which will now guide the implementation of First Nations-related activities and initiatives within the club, ensuring that First Nations voices and perspectives are embedded in our decision-making.

"We continue to reiterate our message and encourage listening, understanding and reflection of our nation's shared past.

"We will be stronger together when we can celebrate all that is great about the country we call home, on a date that unites us." - North Melbourne’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior leaders

First Nations voices are crucial to this conversation. To amplify these perspectives, former club captain and AFL player Jy Simpkin (a proud Yorta Yorta man), AFL player Robbie Hansen jnr (a proud Wongi and Noongar man), and AFLW player Mia King (a proud Jawoyn woman) have shared their personal reflections on what January 26 represents to them.

"January 26 isn’t a day for celebration, but an opportunity for everyone to continue to ask questions and learn about Australia’s shared history, the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island People and our culture." - Jy Simpkin

"It’s difficult for me to celebrate on January 26, knowing our nation’s history and its impact on mob. I’d love for people to reflect on the experiences of First Nations people and our ancestors, so we can move forward together." - Robbie Hansen jnr

"Now more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with the original custodians of this land. This begins with recognition and truth-telling, and today is an opportunity to do that. We will have something to celebrate, but only when we can do it in harmony." - Mia King

Educational resources:

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article...ctually-commemorating-on-january-26/nrid9kpf4

https://antar.org.au/issues/survival-day/

Isn’t it time to give it a rest? We know. Everyone knows.

 

[DuckYeah]

There was a referendum. Unanimously Australia said No. i said Yes but I am a minority. Now give it a rest

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

There was a referendum. Unanimously Australia said No. i said Yes but I am a minority. Now give it a rest

Unanimously??

 

[scottywiper]

We are obsessed with peripheral issues. At a time when our men's team is historically bad.

 

[CURVE]

We are obsessed with peripheral issues. At a time when our men's team is historically bad.

Obsessed?? What a load of BS, it's a short statement about what Australia Days means to some people at the club, it's definitely not something you should obsess over.

 

[scottywiper]

Obsessed?? What a load of BS, it's a short statement about what Australia Days means to some people at the club, it's definitely not something you should obsess over.

I don't mean just with this topic. We love taking positions...on pretty much anything except winning..

 

[Zondor]

Obsessed?? What a load of BS, it's a short statement about what Australia Days means to some people at the club, it's definitely not something you should obsess over.

The club has developed a First Nations Strategy. It’s more than just a “Short Statement”. It’s a position the club has held for a number of years now. :stern look

 

[Passmore]

Obsessed?? What a load of BS, it's a short statement about what Australia Days means to some people at the club, it's definitely not something you should obsess over.

Not sure it's stopping the team from winning either.

 

[gokangas]

Interesting to know how many other clubs have issued statements today.

 

[DuckYeah]

Unanimously??

Yes. 39.9 to 60.1 is unanimous

 

[DuckYeah]

The club has developed a First Nations Strategy. It’s more than just a “Short Statement”. It’s a position the club has held for a number of years now. :stern look

There is every possibility we dont have an indigenous player on the list next year.

 

[Karanicolas]

Not sure it's stopping the team from winning either.

Yes, it hasn’t stopped our women’s team winning … for two years and counting.

 

[Karanicolas]

Isn’t it time to give it a rest? We know. Everyone knows.

I think it is helpful to continue to be educated on this topic. I have certainly become more educated on this topic since my secondary education.

 

[Outtatym]

Interesting to know how many other clubs have issued statements today.

Most have I think - just had a quick insta search at random - ess, Stkilda, port Adelaide, west coast have put something out. . Both QLD clubs haven't.

Happy Australia day to all who celebrate

 

[SunnyBoner]

Interesting to know how many other clubs have issued statements today.

Collingwood has issued one which is a fair sign that times are changing - even for them.

 

[DuckYeah]

I think it is helpful to continue to be educated on this topic. I have certainly become more educated on this topic since my secondary education.

Dont need further education. Its the same shit year after year. We live in a democracy. Most people dont give a stuff. Move on. Club needs to internally acknowledge and support First Nations and move on.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

Yes. 39.9 to 60.1 is unanimous

Quickest, shittest AI search, but pretty sure it’s correct: “Unanimous means complete agreement by everyone in a group, with all members sharing the same opinion, decision, or vote, showing total accord and unity, as in a "unanimous decision" or a "unanimous vote" where every single person agrees. It comes from Latin words meaning "of one mind," highlighting oneness in thought.

 

[Marstermind]

Yes. 39.9 to 60.1 is unanimous

0.0 to 100.0 is unanimous. Anything else isn't unanimous.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

Yes. 39.9 to 60.1 is unanimous

Quickest, shittest AI search, but pretty sure it’s correct: “Unanimous means complete agreement by everyone in a group, with all members sharing the same opinion, decision, or vote, showing total accord and unity, as in a "unanimous decision" or a "unanimous vote" where every single person agrees. It comes from Latin words meaning "of one mind," highlighting oneness in thought.

 

[My Left Foote]

Interesting to know how many other clubs have issued statements today.

West Coast, Hawthorn, Essendon, Port Adelaide, St Kilda & Melbourne.

 

[ferball]

There was a referendum. Unanimously Australia said No. i said Yes but I am a minority. Now give it a rest

yeah ... **** that.

 

[gerry101101]

Isn’t it time to give it a rest? We know. Everyone knows.

My son doesn’t know. He’s only just old enough to start comprehending this stuff. And I love that he’s hearing perspectives from people he looks up to rather than randoms in suits or tweed jackets.

So, no, it’s not time to give it a rest. You’re free not to read it though - I have timed it and it takes approximately zero seconds to scroll on by / ignore the statement and let it be read by those for whom it is new/important.

 

[DuckYeah]

My son doesn’t know. He’s only just old enough to start comprehending this stuff. And I love that he’s hearing perspectives from people he looks up to rather than ransoms in suits or tweed jackets.

So, no, it’s not time to give it a rest. You’re free not to read it though - I have timed it and it takes approximately zero seconds to scroll on by / ignore the statement and let it be read by those for whom it is new/important.

you need a statement from the club to teach your kid about social issues?

And wheres the line? I personally dont think footballers are great role models for kids.