fnm_just a man
Cancelled
After the talk in the Zac Williams thread regarding the thrill of having so many Indigenous Australian players on our list, I thought it a good time to mention a proposal I raised with the Club a little over a month ago, which received no response.
The proportional representation of Indigenous Australians playing Aussie Rules is probably the thing I am most proud of about the game, and I too am thrilled that we have so many Indigenous players on our list. Looking at AFL as a profession, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) representation far exceeds ATSI representation in other industries. I can’t help but imagine that every Indigenous player is inspiring a young (and/or old) First Nations person to chase their dreams or to walk a little taller and speak a little louder.
I am white and can not speak on behalf of the ATSI community, but my proposition to the Club was that we create, in consultation with Indigenous players, First Nations communities and leaders, a major multi-purpose cultural and education centre. A place for visitors to learn the unique and varied histories of First Nations people generally, as well as recognition of all past and present players in Aussie Rules and the impact they have had on First Nations communities. Just as importantly, I want it to provide a space within the Club for Carlton’s Indigenous players (past and present) to feel comfortable - somewhere they can immerse themselves away from the regular requirements of being an AFL player, where they can relax, reflect, enjoy themselves, hold meetings etc. From my point of view, I imagine there is a massive lifestyle and cultural difference shifting from being a junior player to an AFL player, especially so when moving from interstate. I envisage a place that assists in the transition to the AFL for Indigenous players by providing support services focusing on their well-being and ongoing mental health.
To my knowledge, no such facility currently exists at an AFL club, so I see it as a unique opportunity for the Club to take a lead and to make a statement. I feel like the timing is right too, with Eddie Betts at the Club as well as several other Indigenous players.
There could well be other benefits to the Club in the form of sponsorship, good will and even potentially attracting players. These matters are far from the driving force, but are worth acknowledging.
Anyhow, I only sent it to the general Carlton email address. As I said, I received no response but before I follow-up, I was hoping to gauge the feeling of fans on this board towards such a proposal.
Cheers
The proportional representation of Indigenous Australians playing Aussie Rules is probably the thing I am most proud of about the game, and I too am thrilled that we have so many Indigenous players on our list. Looking at AFL as a profession, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) representation far exceeds ATSI representation in other industries. I can’t help but imagine that every Indigenous player is inspiring a young (and/or old) First Nations person to chase their dreams or to walk a little taller and speak a little louder.
I am white and can not speak on behalf of the ATSI community, but my proposition to the Club was that we create, in consultation with Indigenous players, First Nations communities and leaders, a major multi-purpose cultural and education centre. A place for visitors to learn the unique and varied histories of First Nations people generally, as well as recognition of all past and present players in Aussie Rules and the impact they have had on First Nations communities. Just as importantly, I want it to provide a space within the Club for Carlton’s Indigenous players (past and present) to feel comfortable - somewhere they can immerse themselves away from the regular requirements of being an AFL player, where they can relax, reflect, enjoy themselves, hold meetings etc. From my point of view, I imagine there is a massive lifestyle and cultural difference shifting from being a junior player to an AFL player, especially so when moving from interstate. I envisage a place that assists in the transition to the AFL for Indigenous players by providing support services focusing on their well-being and ongoing mental health.
To my knowledge, no such facility currently exists at an AFL club, so I see it as a unique opportunity for the Club to take a lead and to make a statement. I feel like the timing is right too, with Eddie Betts at the Club as well as several other Indigenous players.
There could well be other benefits to the Club in the form of sponsorship, good will and even potentially attracting players. These matters are far from the driving force, but are worth acknowledging.
Anyhow, I only sent it to the general Carlton email address. As I said, I received no response but before I follow-up, I was hoping to gauge the feeling of fans on this board towards such a proposal.
Cheers