IN 2015, the AFL marks 20 years since it said there is no place for racial discrimination in footy. In 1995, it adopted its own racial vilification code.
Two decades later, the League is now part of the movement of Australians who say there is no place for race discrimination in the nation’s rule book either and who know it’s time to recognise
the first Australians.
That’s what the R for RECOGNISE stands for – and you’ll see it at all nine games in this weekend’s indigenous round.
In Indigenous Round, held during National Reconciliation Week, the AFL celebrates the contributions and sheer excellence of our country’s Indigenous players and Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
We recall the outstanding indigenous players of the past who were trailblazers and we recognise the brilliance, talent and skill of the current generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
Our stars are at every level of the game – from local community competitions right through to the top-of-the-ladder AFL teams.
Each week, they make us all so proud; none are prouder than their own families and communities back home. And do you know what? Recognition of this kind unites us.
It invites fans of all backgrounds – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – to be inspired. Inspired by the fact our country is home to the oldest living cultures on the planet, and this is part of the identity of every Australian.
In February, I captained the Indigenous All-Stars as we played alongside our fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers from across the country.
During the pre-match warm-up at the exhibition match against the West Coast Eagles, we donned the R for RECOGNISE to show our personal support for the coming referendum, as well as the strong support being shown by the AFL.
It’s great that so many of the clubs are right behind this, too.
When I run out on to the ground this Saturday in my indigenous round guernsey, I’ll be sharing something that’s important to me.
I’ll be sharing the story of my indigenous heritage with the crowd at Aurora Stadium.
I’ll be honouring my own family and our ancestors – and inviting the fans to think about that impressive achievement of the oldest living cultures on the planet.
Twenty years on from when AFL officially said no to discrimination in our game, we’re backing a national referendum vote to give racism the boot from the nation’s constitution and to reccognise.
Join us today by signing up at recognise.org.au.
Shaun Burgoyne has played 277 games for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide and is a premiership player at both clubs.
