The Power has emphatically welcomed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s ‘sorry’ to the Stolen Generations this morning, and his pledge to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Power players trained at AAMI Stadium this afternoon in guernseys from three of South Australia’s indigenous football clubs - Point Pearce (representing Narungga people), Kaurna (Adelaide plains), and Raukkan (Ngarrindjeri). The rest of the squad wore a combination of black, red and yellow Power guernseys, to represent the Aboriginal flag.
Arguably the greatest Indigenous footballer of all time, Gavin Wanganeen, came to Power training to enjoy the day with his ex-teammates.
Power star and proud Aboriginal Shaun Burgoyne said the apology meant a great deal to the nation.
“It has been a long time coming. A lot of people have been affected in the past and the apology will help them start the healing process and move forward,” Burgoyne said.
“It’s not about making anyone feeling guilty today, it’s about accepting what has happened in the past, accepting the government did the wrong thing in the past, and using today as a day to move forward.
“Our club is a perfect example of all Australians working together and let’s hope today helps our whole country get to that point.”
Power coach Mark Williams addressed the media before training, declaring it was “a historic day for Australia”.
Despite only being in the AFL for 11 years, the Power has had 14 Indigenous players represent it, one of the highest numbers of any club.
It presently has six Indigenous players on its list – Peter and Shaun Burgoyne, Nathan Krakouer, Daniel and Marlon Motlop, and Danyle Pearce.
As part of the Power’s Community Youth Program, the club has a program aimed at engaging indigenous youth. The proposed redevelopment of the Allan Scott Power Headquarters, for which the club received a federal government grant last year, will allow the club to further its indigenous programs.
