How does the AFL contribute to contemporary Indigenous living?

Historical Comparisons

Travis Flockhart 

The landscape of the Australian Football League has evolved dramatically since it’s inception in 1897. Not only have the rules and the level of athleticism changed over the years, but the diversity of cultures and backgrounds represented on the field has also expanded significantly. Australian Football and our nation’s first inhabitants share a rich intertwined history. ‘In fact, many believe that the sport was developed from an Aboriginal game called ‘Marngrook.’ (AFL, 2005). The first known player of Aboriginal descent to play at AFL level was Fitzroy’s Joe Johnson, who played 55 games, including premierships in 1904 and 1905. Geelong’s Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer, who revolutionised the game with his use of handball and was named in the AFL Team of the Century, and Carlton’s Syd Jackson were stars of the 1960s and early 1970s (AFL, 2005). 

In a speech given by AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, he stated: “From 1906–1980, records show there were only 18 players who claimed Indigenous heritage to have played in the Victorian Football League”. He went on to say, “This was not about racism on the field. This was about ignorance, about limiting opportunity, about a superiority complex. It’s extraordinary to consider what a blight that is on our history, but there are much happier statistics to show how dramatic our attitudes have changed.” (2005). In 2005 there were 52 Indigenous players on AFL lists representing about 7 per cent of total player lists. In 2011 the number of Indigenous players had grown to 78 which does show a significant growth and is perhaps the ‘happier statistics’ that Demetriou was referring to. 

It has taken great courage for many Indigenous players to pursue a career in the AFL as they have had to overcome racial prejudices and a lack of cultural awareness in order to excel at their chosen sport. Much of the on field racism and issues involving racial prejudice remained unspoken until 1995 when Michael Long, Essendon great and spokesperson for Indigenous rights, spoke out about the on field issues and the prejudice he had experienced on the field as an Indigenous AFL player. This led to the AFL introducing ‘Rule 30’ covering Racial and Religious vilification. Since its inception, the rule has been constantly reviewed and is now expanded to include prohibition of vilification on the basis of special disability and sexual orientation.

                                                           Gavin Wanganeen

Rule 30

30.1 Prohibited Conduct

No person subject to these Rules shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person ("the person vilified") on any basis, including but not limited to, a person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, special ability/disability or sexual orientation, preference or identity. (AFL, 2011)

 The AFL states that ‘racial and religious abuse is best tackled by education and conciliation.’ (2011). This means that any player in breach of the above rule is required to attend an approved education program in relation to racial and religious vilification.

Indigenous players in the AFL today are well respected for their athletic ability and the flair they bring to the game. Their ball-handling and evasive skills have thrilled many crowds. In some cases, the way players of Aboriginal descent have played the game has changed everyone’s perceptions about what is possible on a football field (AFL, 2002). Clubs recognise the potential for talent and many initiatives have been organised to nurture Indigenous players and give them an opportunity to play at an elite level, some reaching as far as the remote communities in Australia to scour for talent. As Brisbane great Chris Johnson has said, ‘The way the game has embraced us, they know we’re electric and a pretty exciting bunch, they know if they can get two or three Aborigines in their team, they know there’s something special going to happen’ (2006). 

References

AFL Media release: Racial and Religious Vilification (2009), 31 May, AFL, afl.com.au

AFL Media release: Influence of Indigenous players (2002), 10 Feb,

< http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=2539>

‘The Glue that Brings us Together: combating racism in sport’, speech by Andrew Demetriou at the 5th Annual Human Rights Oration, 9 December 2005.

‘Rivals they may be, but these players are brothers in arms’ by Chloe Saltau in the Sun Herald, 25 June 2006.

Health and Fitness Focus

Katrina Tambasco

The National Aboriginal Health Strategy (1989), highlights that “Health does not just mean the physical well-being of the individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural well-being of the whole community, (cited in Swan & Raphael, 1995, p. 20).”  (Dobia & O’Rourke, 2011)

“Indigenous Australians collectively face much higher levels of health risks and challenges than is found amongst the general Australian population.”(Dobia & O’Rourke, 2011) Indigenous Australians also die at a much younger average age than the non-indigenous population as a result of being more prone to such illnesses as diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders, (appendix 1).  This ill health can also negatively affect the quality of life. (AIHW, 2008)
Australia is viewed as a sporting nation, and as such, there is an emphasis, through the fitness industry of Australia on healthy living through a well- balanced diet along with a decent amount of physical activity.

These things cannot only improve one’s general health and fitness, but can also have a positive impact on mental health, longevity and social wellbeing, (Landers). While these things are important in a non-indigenous community, they are paramount to an Indigenous Australian and community, as this general wellbeing can positively affects their lives.
Kickett- Tucker studied Indigenous children in 1999 to view how they act in sports settings. He found that these sports, such as AFL, ‘contributed favourably' to Indigenous students’ self-concept and feelings about their culture. A study also showed that social interactions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peers were conducted with the intention of making friends and they were accepting and respectful of each other. (Kickett-Tucker, 2008)
Team sports such as AFL contribute to this entire healthy lifestyle, especially as a positive contribution to indigenous living; they can also help to deter unhealthier lifestyle choices such as excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs,(appendix 2,3) especially when introduced at a young age.

The contribution of AFL to contemporary Indigenous living is a positive one. Physical exercise helps to combat illnesses that the Indigenous population is more prone to by increasing cardiovascular health and contributes to battling mental health issues; it is also a safe, social environment which can deter from unhealthier lifestyle choices and help Indigenous people remain proud and true to their culture.


  Population pyramid of Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, 2011




 Changes in proportions of Indigenous people using illicit drugs, by drug type, Australia, 2002 and 2004-2005






 Alcohol consumption in percent by age group for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia.

 
 *Note- While Indigenous people may be predominately in the ‘low risk’ category, there are mainly a higher number of Indigenous Australians in the ‘Risky’ and ‘High risk’ than non-Indigenous Australians.


Dobia,B & O’Rourke, V. 2011, Promoting the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous children in Australian primary schools, Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
Kickett-Tucker C. S. 1999, School Sport Self-Concept of Urban Aboriginal School Children: Teacher Influences, pg 32.
Kickett-Tucker C. S. 2008, How Aboriginal Peer Interactions in Upper Primary School Sport Support Aboriginal Identity, The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, vol. 37 pg 138-151.
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare),2008, Australia's Health 2008, viewed 5^th October 2012, http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10585
Landers, D.M, n.d, The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health, viewed 7^th October 2012, http://137.187.25.232/mentalhealth.htm
Creative Spirits, 2012, Aboriginal Alcohol Consumption, viewed 1^st October 2012, http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/health/aboriginal-alcohol-consumption
Catto M, Thomson N, 2008, Review of illicit drug use among Indigenous peoples. Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin 8(4), viewed 5^th October 2012, http://healthbulletin.org.au/articles/review-of-illicit-drug-use-among-indigenous-peoples
Australian Indigenous Health Info Net, 2012, The context of Indigenous health, viewed 7^th October 2012, http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/health-facts/overviews/the-context-of-indigenous-health

Initiatives

 Ashleigh Pisani

AFL is employed as a strategy to combat numerous problems in the Northern Territory. The federal government has invested nearly three million dollars in the last budget, on football programmes. These programmes have been identified as an effective way to keep young Indigenous children in school and see them complete their education up to year twelve. A fifteen million dollar AFL Academy was opened in July of this year in Darwin by the Federal Government for more than 2000 male and female students living in remote areas. As well as teaching AFL, the condition of entry into the academy is that students must prove regular attendance at school as well as have had a health check in the last year. This program provides powerful motivation for Indigenous children to continue with their studies that otherwise may not be present, particularly if they are from a family that has received limited education themselves and therefore may not necessarily value it. 

There are other AFL programs that operate in regional Australia that are sponsored by the individual clubs. One such program is administered by the West Coast Eagles, who manage the David Wirrpanda Foundation. This program does not just teach AFL but also teaches its students about the importance of healthy living, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise. It also aims to impart lessons on acceptable behaviour and educates the children on drugs and alcohol.  While providing them with 21 full-time and 19 part-time Indigenous role models who are there for the children to seek advice from as well as giving them someone from a similar cultural background to look up to. Since commencing operations in 2005, the Foundation has established six successful programs in Perth, regional areas in Western Australia as well as in Victoria and New South Wales.

                                                           David Wirrpanda

These programs contribute to contemporary Indigenous living because they are designed for the crucial purpose of closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Education is the most critical factor in overcoming disadvantage and last year only 21% of Indigenous students completed year twelve compared to 79% of non-Indigenous students. Therefore if these programs are a success, then AFL has the power to transform lives by ensuring students remain in school and receive the benefits of education.

References
2012, ‘New AFL academy for indigenous kids’, News.com, 26 July, viewed 13th of September, http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/new-football-academy-for-indigenous-kids/story-e6frfku9-1226424232641
David Wirrpanda Foundation, 2012, ‘About Us’, viewed 28^th of September, http://www.dwf.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=156
IndigenousHealthInfoNet, 2012, ‘Programs and Projects’,  viewed 30^th of September, http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/programs-projects
Creative Spirits, 2012, “Aboriginal Education’, viewed 5^th of October, http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/education/
Department of Early Childhood and Development, 2012, ‘Students Successfully completing Year 12 or equivalent’, viewed 5^th of October, http://www.education.vic.gov.au/researchinnovation/vcams/children/16-2completingyear12.htm

 Media Portrayal 
 Amelia McMahon

The media and the media's portrayal of racial groups, like Indigenous Australians, is a key component of contemporary living. The Australian Football League (AFL)is a large, widely recognized influential business in Australia with involvement from all races, including Indigenous Australians. This makes the AFL a key contributor to the media's portrayal of Indigenous people and Indigenous contemporary living.

The Marngrook footy show on the Australian Broadcasting Channel (ABC) is a strong example of a positive portrayal and the strong influence that the AFL has on the contemporary lives of Indigenous Australians. The marngrook footy show is one of Australia's most popular football programs on Australian televison. The show was initially a concept developed by host, Grant Hansen, a former Melbourne radio announcer. Hansen was dismayed in the lack  of Indigenous football commentators in the Australian media industry. 

The show originally began as a radio program but its immediate popularity saw it blossom into what it is today. The show now consists of many Indigenous hosts including; Grant Hansen, Gilbert McAdam, Ronnie Burns, Leila Gurruwiwi, Shelley Ware and Chris 
Johnson.

The weekly show consists of thorough analysis of football issues, detailed roundups of the weekly football games with a strong emphasis on Indigenous players. The show also provides historical context as they pay tribute to former Indigenous players and pioneers of the game and their important involvement in shaping AFL. 

2012 saw the move of the community-based Marngrook Radio Show to commercial radio, with a switch to popular Melbourne radio station, SEN1116. This show incorporate both Indigenous players and non-Indigenous players, as well as Indigenous female football commentators.

The efforts of those involved in both the Marngrook footy show and the Marngrook Radio Show are pivotal in contributing to contemporary Indigenous life. Not only is television and radio a contemporary approach to communicating with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of all ages, the shows themselves involve a wide range of people and personalities. This allows for people to engage with the mix of personalities and also feel that various, unbiased opinions are being presented to the audience . 

The positive role that these shows are evident amongst the community as praise and discussion about the show is widespread. 

"Love your show...the only AFL footy show on tv worth watching...I love the natural way the show comes through" - Wayne

Therefore, the media and media portrayal of AFL and Indigenous people within AFL is important aspect in the contemporary lives of Indigenous people.