Opinion Promoting Indigenous Players

[jmac70]

Currently the AFL allows clubs to sign two international rookies per year with a maximum number of six players at any one time. Why? Do the AFL seriously think our game will become an international sport?

Here is my idea. Scrap the international rookie system and replace it with an Indigenous rookie system in which clubs are permitted to sign two Indigenous players per year outside the salary cap. Reserve a percentage of the TV rights for Indigenous support programs. We will get more Indigenous players, the footy will be more exciting, and we will be actually doing something worthwhile to support Indigenous communities.

 

[TradeDraft]

I love that Idea and you can sign them as Kids so they can help get use to the City Life Earlier

 

[Ricky90]

I like it!

Although, I still think the International venture is worthwhile pursuing.

 

[Chief Ten Beers]

I hope we get an Irish round one day.

 

[jmac70]

I hope we get an Irish round one day.

We already have one...St Pats Day...and it's your shout!

 

[MightyPies1]

Trying to promote the game to Indigenous Australians is like trying to promote the Collingwood Football club to one-eyed Collingwood supporters. Nice idea though.

 

[ppoiter]

Really positive idea, I dont see why you cant have the international thing too though

 

[mike123]

Gives the rookie list a reason to exist.

Other than to keep Kyle Martin off the rookie list.

If this does happen it should focus on rural areas and not just indigenous kids, and the international rookies shouldn't be scrapped just add another two rookie spaces.

 

[doodles98]

Terrific idea... and the success rate will be much higher in terms of players who make it. I'd also still keep the international rookies though.

 

[Pie eyed]

I like it!

Although, I still think the International venture is worthwhile pursuing.

An Irishman is no less indigenous, to Ireland.
Let the club decide.

 

[MightyPies1]

It's also important to remember that the percentage of Indigenous AFL footballers far outweighs the overall percentage of Indigenous Australians in Australia. So for this reason alone as much as it seems like a great idea, I'd question it's practicality.

 

[ThisIsJake]

we could definitely do with some good aboriginal talent.

boy do i miss leon davis, absolute magician!

 

[Max Hardcore]

Something needs to be done, to much talent is going waste, sad part is it's actually getting worse, the number of national draft indigenous kids who've quit their clubs is telling, Clubs just aren't willing to take the chance anymore especially with ND picks.

Think about it for a minute, let's say it's your job to recruit kids for Collingwood, your job depends on results, are you going to take a risk on a kid who can jump buildings etc etc knowing he's never seen a big city? If he goes home it's on you.

 

[motr]

Think about it for a minute, let's say it's your job to recruit kids for Collingwood, your job depends on results, are you going to take a risk on a kid who can jump buildings etc etc knowing he's never seen a big city? If he goes home it's on you.

Sure, come to the city and the skyscrapers are likely to trip him up.

 

[blaze036]

We already have a system for drafting highly talented players with high risk factors on low wage.. it's called the rookie system.

If clubs aren't using it for as many indigenous players as you would like well tough, that's just how the cookie crumbles. As others have said the percentage of aboriginal players in the AFL far outweighs their percentage of the population anyway

As far as I'm aware the AFL already does more than their fair share of helping aboriginal communities

 

[Kynge of Begrem]

Is this going to be another one of those 'you don't have to scratch too deeply' threads?

 

[Chilli Con Incarnate]

I'd like to see the AFL pour more money into grass roots levels everywhere really. If they are going to try and grow the game in places like Western Sydney, then they need to invest in it at all levels, not just in indigenous communities.

 

[PepperFace]

I hope we get an Irish round one day.

I would like to have a round where there is no theme to it and the footballers go out and play football

 

[Chilli Con Incarnate]

I would like to have a round where there is no theme to it and the footballers go out and play football

Doubtful, I am convinced the only reason the Afl keeps making the season longer is so they can have more theme rounds. How else can they show they care/make money?

 

[Rummy]

I don’t think this idea can/will ever be put in place as it’s a form of racial discrimination. Imagine what would happen if the AFL said they were implementing a program where only white Caucasian’s could apply and are employed… Yes we have an international rookie system, however that is open to everyone outside of Australia regardless of skin colour/race. As others have already said, the amount of aborigines playing the game as a percentage of the population is already very high statistically and the AFL already give tonnes of money to Aboriginal only services. Personally I’d want to see players get a chance to play AFL and live their dreams being based on their skill level, not the colour of their skin. Any form of preferential treatment based on race regardless of which way it aids, is racial discrimination and is what so many people (especially aborigine community groups) are advocating against such unequal treatment and for everyone to be treated the same.

 

[ppoiter]

I would like to have a round where there is no theme to it and the footballers go out and play football

That happens basically every round. And footballers still play football during indigenous round dont worry

I don’t think this idea can/will ever be put in place as it’s a form of racial discrimination. Imagine what would happen if the AFL said they were implementing a program where only white Caucasian’s could apply and are employed… Yes we have an international rookie system, however that is open to everyone outside of Australia regardless of skin colour/race. As others have already said, the amount of aborigines playing the game as a percentage of the population is already very high statistically and the AFL already give tonnes of money to Aboriginal only services. Personally I’d want to see players get a chance to play AFL and live their dreams being based on their skill level, not the colour of their skin. Any form of preferential treatment based on race regardless of which way it aids, is racial discrimination and is what so many people (especially aborigine community groups) are advocating against such unequal treatment and for everyone to be treated the same.

Thats interesting do you have an example?

 

[speedytiger]

Great idea but like others have said it should work with the international system, not instead of.

 

[Rummy]

Thats interesting do you have an example?

Not sure what your asking here?

 

[Smoky]

I don't like it.

It does not promote "equality" in any way shape or form.

 

[ppoiter]

Not sure what your asking here?

I was wondering if you know of an example of an aboriginal community group advocating against a scheme like the one mentioned in the OP