AFL RIVERINA TV – INDIGENOUS ROUND
As the AFL celebrates Indigenous Round across the country this week, Turvey Park will lead the way locally, with their game against Leeton-Whitton to pay tribute to the club’s Indigenous footballers.
There are specially-designed jumpers for the occasion, which will be presented to players by one of the club’s most respected Indigenous footballers, Uncle Jimmy Egan, at halftime in reserve grade. Egan will also do the coin toss for first grade, which will be preceded by a traditional welcome to country.
One of the key figures behind the initiative is club stalwart Stephen Smith.
“It’s all about raising awareness of Indigenous Round and acknowledging Indigenous players, on and off the field, and what they do for footy clubs,” Smith tells AFL Riverina TV.
As co-coach of reserve grade, Smith sets an example to Indigenous youngsters by taking on a leadership position at the club. As does first grade assistant coach James Hayes, who is in his first season at the Bulldogs, and honoured to be running out in an Indigenous jumper. “It means a lot to me. I’m very proud to be one of the first ones [in the Riverina], and be an indigenous player as well. It means a great deal.”
For more on Turvey Park’s Indigenous Round celebrations, the importance of role models in the Indigenous community and Smith’s and Hayes’ favourite players growing up, check out AFL Riverina TV.
