WONAEAMIRRI. Davey. Motlop.
They’re the types of players that can inject their teams with something akin to magic.
As evidenced at the weekend by Melbourne’s miraculous win over Fremantle from 50 points down at half time, and Port Adelaide’s thumping of Essendon – Daniel Motlop kicking seven – these players are among a select group boasting ‘that special something’.
And according to former Essendon star Michael Long, the coming years will see more indigenous talent come into the AFL.
Long says the 12 per cent of AFL players currently represented by the indigenous population will continue to grow as remote areas are targeted. Plans to establish a Northern Territory side to play in the South Australian, Western Australian or Queensland state league competition will give players that are usually overlooked the chance to shine.
“Who knows what we might find out there in terms of kids in remote areas,” Long told afl.com.au.
“It’s all about opportunity. We might produce more Andrew McLeods or Maurice Riolis or Michael McLeans or Alwyn Daveys.
“There’s so much of that natural talent there. It’s just pooling it and having a pathway where we can do it. We think this territory side we can discover or give so many more kids the opportunity to advance in their football.”
Nineteen-year-old recruit Austin Wonaeamirri was not phased by the daunting task facing the Demons after Fremantle appeared to have the game won at the first break on Sunday. He played with the confidence of a seasoned performer, kicking four goals for the day and enthralling supporters with his exuberant celebrations.
Teammate Aaron Davey had the field covered, playing an on-ball role in the middle and contributing up forward with three second half goals – one from a spectacular mark in front of goal.
His cousin, Alwyn, has been sorely missed by the Bombers since suffering a season-ending knee injury a week-and-a-half ago. Who knows what effect his presence could have made to curtail the devastating impact of Motlop on Sunday?
Then there’s Hawthorn’s rising star, Cyril Rioli, and Adelaide’s Dream Team captain Andrew McLeod, who plays with the ease of having been born with a footy in his hands.
Long, originally from the Tiwi Islands off the Northern Territory coast, says indigenous footballers bring something special to AFL.
“I reckon it brings back something the game has needed – free-flowing, spectacular, it’s what the game has needed,” Long says.
“I suppose I was pretty lucky. Having a coach like Kevin Sheedy gave you that bit of leeway to have that free-flowing part of football and bringing hopefully a bit of magic to the side and adding something different.
“That’s probably one of the unique things that I think indigenous footballers bring, that spectacular, or magical thing that a player might do.
“I love watching Alwyn Davey. So explosive, he’ll do something out of the ordinary.
“Those are the kinds of players that fans love to see, especially the kids. It’s brought something to football that I reckon is unique.”
